Casualties of Cold

(Cyclamen, purple headed reduced to mush)

butterfly flowers
shielded from sharpest of winds
perish in their beds

even the hardy
succumb to the savage bite
of winter night-frosts

Reviews

[Ayvid N]

When the hardy were perishing, those tender flowers didn't stand a chance. Yet, we always hope they will. This poem speaks to me of a very harsh and biting winter. One that has no place in it for fragile softness or colour. I feel the heartbreak in your words. We all wait eagerly for the winter to end.....Beautiful Haikus, dear Chris!

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you DIVYA. I lost all my cyclamen plants on my deck table which is normally fairly protected over one bitterly cold night. They froze solid and then turned to mush on thawing. I also lost a favorite azalea I’ve nurtured for years. Such is life. The garden will remember the past winter well. Many thanks fir your visit. Have a good weekend.

Chris

[Ayvid N]

I know the heartbreak of a much loved plant, dear Chris. Lost three of my precious Christmas trees in a killer summer last year. The loss is conveyed deeply by your words. You're most welcome.

[Einstein Noodle]

nice .. Haiku and Senryu are favorite forms for many, i am sure ... well done .. love the cycle of life that is so callously interrupts and destroys such a fragile exquisite flower ... really like and enjoyed reading your two haiku .. thanks for sharing!
E.

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks Mr E. The harsh winter conditions this year have played havoc in my garden. Losing plants that would normally survive, especially on my deck table which is sheltered. Not so this year. The gardener needs to take better care. Always appreciate your reviews. Have a happy weekend. Hope all is good in your world.

Chris

[Soren]

We are all mortal and subject to injury or death under extreme forces. We all have our seasons and need to be able to surrender and accept nature. Beauty doe not last forever, except internally and in thought. Deep and beautiful.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thank yous for another thoughtful and encouraging review Soren. The garden has suffered.

Chris

[Soren]

It will raise again.

[Patricia Wedel]

Wow… the Ice age is making it’s debut as . Debussy plays the Blues. My tears are Ice-cycles on rosy cheeks. The Winter chill is still as Bumble Bees sleep until Spring appears. gently, Pat

[Chris Shaw]

Yes dear Pat, this winter has been one I will remember for the losses in my garden. Consecutive sub zero temperatures have certainly paid havoc with my plants. I will certainly be more careful next year. Thank you fir scaring your thoughts. You are greatly appreciated.

Chris

[Stuart Munro]

Chris , I’ve had Hyperthermia six times trying to do winter gardening , so this poem hit home
Lovely write. ,

[Chris Shaw]

I have not ventured in the garden for more than a few minutes at a time. We forget how much damage the cold can do. Lots of layers required and hot drinks. Just made a lovely home made soup. Thanks Stuart for checking in to review.

Chris

[Joanne Hanscome]

Brrr--I can feel the cold. Nice and sweet short poem. Enjoyed reading it.

[Chris Shaw]

Two haiku here Joanne. One of the forms I enjoy. Thank you for another visit.

Chris

[Coyote Poetry]

We had a late Winter. Rose bloomed in early December. Winter came and the garden is quiet. I yearn for a warm Spring day dear Chris. Thank you for sharing the amazing poetry.
Coyote

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Coyote. The garden is void of colour. I too look forward to a spring day. Winter is not my season.

Chris

[Coyote Poetry]

Winter isn't my favorite either dear Chris and you are welcome.

[JD Major]

Yes, the World and Winter is sometimes brutal.
Your chilling good right inspired me to google butterfly flowers ...Bauhinia monandra, right? pink purple-streaked flowers. ...or, maybe I'm digging too deep :)haha

[Chris Shaw]

Cyclamen petals resemble butterflies. Nothing more than that :) Yep you did more digging this time than needed :) Thank you so much for stopping by.

Chris

[Kay Salisu Titilola]

Freezing the dozens is what winter came to do
turning the greens into something out of hue.
The gardens are dying, waiting for resurrection
hoping that someday, their savior (sun) would show up.

People hide themselves behind the doors,
with the fear of what that snowy storm could do.
They'll rather stay at home all day long
than getting frozen or getting knocked off.

Streets are suffering and nothing seemed untouched.
Animals are freezing and houses are getting blownn off.
Everyone and everything couldn't wait for it to end quickly.
Even now, the atmosphere itself couldn't stop screaming.

Thanks for sharing this, Chris.

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Kay, many thanks for your beautiful poetical response. Really appreciate your visit.
read moreDear Kay, many thanks for your beautiful poetical response. Really appreciate your visit.

Chris

[Weeping willow]

Wonderfully written in such a exceptional way ;-]

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Weeping willow. Happy new year to you. All the very best.

Chris