In the Middle of Winter.

Life is an empty mug, hollow and cold. Then

With sudden warmth

Pour in a boiling stream of coffee.

The glass is reluctant at first

But gradually begins to heat up,

And the shivering fingers that grip the handle

Are thawed. In February days

When everything is white--

            Lips are white

            Snow is white

            Light is white

            Sky is white

--Find a change in the rich drink, like

Chestnut liquid gold. Tenderly a plume of

Kisses, steam that wafts over your trembling skin

And curls your hair. Remember then

That to winter there is more

Than just being cold.

Clutch at the mug, insulate the fleeting

Heat, keep refilling your life

With scalding coffee, to chase

Those harsh winter days away. 

Author's Note

I am so cold, here in this brutal February day. Enjoy. :)

Reviews

[quixotic_rose]

Hmmm, it reminds me of snuggling up by a fireplace and drinking a warm cup of coca. The sensory images used really help the reader to be enveloped in the moment. As I read, I thought I could literally feel the plume of steam that lifts from a freshly brewed cup of coffee. Very fitting for a cold day, I greatly enjoyed your work.
QR.

[Vanesa Markovic]

I'm starting to feel like the last person alive who enjoys every chill that comes with the wintertime, haha.
I just adore the cold!
That being said, you've spectacularly awakened the dormant caffeine cravings within me.
Thank you for doing so :)
-VM

[Terrence Chang]

Beat the ice. You have a nice way to tell it. Keep it up leaf

[Amber Lily]

I can completely relate to being cold right now! When it's freezing outside there's not much you want to do other than try to be warm inside. The comforts we gain in little things such as a cup of coffee as crazy because they do so much for us. Now after reading this, I don't think I can do one more review without pouring myself a cup of coffee first. A fantastic write, stay warm! :)

[A Glow in the Pit of My..]

I really enjoyed your imagery and the choice of words. Winter is difficult for me and February always seems like the longest month... Its funny how white can be a symbol of purity but it can also feel so suffocating! i'll be thinking of your words when I pour my coffee tomorrow! Keep yourself thawed out until the first buds begin to show ♡

[Einstein Noodle]

this morning (4 am) i went out with the dog and our thermometer says -20 ... arrrrrrrrrrrrrrgh! my dog ran back in faster than i could!:) so i hear you .. i am the worst at punctuation and capitalization .. when i think that i need it; and i start to apply it .. i get thoroughly lost in its complexity .. i think this free verse would read more smoothly without it ;) i am only an opinion tho.. right?? :))) its a fine metaphor .. when i feel particularly a wimpy boy i first heat the cup .. then pour the stuff! .. so much comfort in a hot mug held by freezing hands and fingers .. aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhh! ;)
E.

[Coyote Poetry]

I liked the way you used the coffee. Coffee is my last weakness.
"Clutch at the mug, insulate the fleeting
Heat, keep refilling your life
With scalding coffee, to chase
Those harsh winter days away. "
Yes we need hot coffee to fight the cold days away. Thank you for sharing the excellent poetry.
Coyote

[Haeshin]

I like the transition from cold to warmth in cold. Love that feeling!

[MomzillaNC]

Coffee, coffee, coffee, coffee, coffee, coffee, coffee, coffee, coffee, coffee, coffee, coffee!

You might like my own homage: http://www.writerscafe.org/writing/MomzillaNC/1403247/

[DoormanDan]

The comparisons you made with life are among the most creative and clever I have ever seen. The whole time I read this, i was reminded of that wonderful feeling one gets when stepping of the cold and drinking hot chocolate :)