long winter

grinding molars careful seemingly ,

but whether feed or a finger regardless  tastily,

clouds of methane lingering,

piles dropping behind beefy beasts -

predictable black coal dusty cars gather sullenly

as the sun sets down on the lower forty,

run off from the contour collecting nervously

at the dam pointing towards the east.

 

winter breath nostrils flared and steaming,

west bank coyote lips licking, pupils leering,

puppies weaned, denned past the clearing,

still useless suckling, searching empty teats.

the silos aching touch the frozen sky near evening,

solid pond scraped and scratched children skating

hands are folded, praying, believing

outlive this winter lest we sleep.

Author's Note

(: thank you for reading :)

Reviews

[Kathy Van Kurin]

"long winter"
m.s.early,
This earth bears the life force of all. We people depend and are in a caretaker's position. Every and all living things leaves a thumbprint. "Beefy beasts" and "clouds of methane lingering" This is so telling for these bovines are a lovely creature but we use them for our own food.
Then in the second paragraph the presence of another animal: "west bank coyote lips licking, pupils leering, puppies weaned, denned past the clearing,"
In all of this disjointed but well meaning world with so many flaws some still believe for the best"
"hands fare folded, praying, believing
outlive this winter lest we sleep."
Life gives no guarantees but we are alive to try, grunt our way through and do the best we can.
thoughtful opportunity in this poem for thinking, pondering.
Blessings,
Kathy

[m.s.early]

Wow. I don't think I've received a review with such earnest depth. Thank you ever so kindly for your humbling thoughts

[Claire in VA]

Fantastic imagery.
Perfect descriptions of a freezing cold Virginia. I've never really thought about those cars gathering sullenly, but they really do. For me, the best thing about this poem is all the ALLITERATION.
It pleases my lips.
~Claire in VA

[Lyn Anderson]

As a non winter fan, at least the poetry is rockin' - thanks.

[m.s.early]

(: Thank you KL! :)

[Frieda P]

Most unique winter poem I've read. Amazing imagery here, I'm looking at this season in a whole new light now...outstanding!

[m.s.early]

Thank you so much for you kind review dear poet!

[Frieda P]

The pleasure was all mine!

[Frieda P]

I look forward to reading more of you, interesting profile my friend.

[Omar Fendri]

my my... And I avow that I never dared to use any vocabulary related to chemistry in my poetry. And now I know that I will never dare. This is too much for me to throw down the gauntlet... Winter is inspirational and each one of us beholds it at his own terms. And yours are impeccable...
May winter outlive... :)

[m.s.early]

Thank you for your gracious and generous sentiment kind poet!