may the cold never bite (may the cold never burn)

peppermint chewing gum lingers on the breath of winter
chasing away the frozen stardust drifting to the earth below

spring is dead and buried, it whispers
will the cold burn you alive?

may it crystallize on your fingertips to
run in shivering droplets down your palm

may the north wind never take you alive
or even in your sleep, flinging open
the frost-covered windowpane to murmur
words of war into your uncovered ear

if the snowdrifts are merciful, perhaps someday
you will be found
the snow angels you brought to life, revealed
icy haloes gleaming, their chorus only

sung in white, white noise

Reviews

[dan]

Calliope, Wow. This is so completely strewn with vivid imagery, it almost TASTES like winter. We've had a rough one here in Western PA, seemingly never to end. "May the north wind never take you alive...to murmur words of war into your uncovered ear." See! Now that line is DELICIOUS! I'm quickly becoming a fan of Ms. Calliope, your writing talent is a gift, fortunately one that you choose to share with us at WC. One question: wouldn't WINTERgreen gum have been a better choice? (kidding) Outstanding write, young lady! take care...dan

[Calliope]

May I first say, thank you for the brilliant and well-thought-out review you've graced me with. I'm very happy that my writing made you see and think (and taste? haha) winter; even though it's March already, the weather just doesn't seem to get it. Also yes, wintergreen gum (I see what you did there) might have been a tad more appropriate if I'd thought of it. Oh well...
I'm also thrilled you think so highly of my writing, thank you again for your kind words! Have a lovely evening...

[dan]

Thank you. dan

[~]

I loved the title of the poem. It matches the great sensory details strewed all over the piece. like frozen wild flowers falling on the reader, softly and potently.
loved it! :D

[Chadvonswan]

This was great. I like that you don't try to rhyme like a ten year old poet. rhyming is so 1673
A framed picture of winters face, but surely Winter doesn't show her face in Florida, does she?

[Calliope]

Thank you, I recall my ten-year-old poet days with no small amount of horror and mortification.
read moreThank you, I recall my ten-year-old poet days with no small amount of horror and mortification.
And nope, dear Winter doesn't dare. Now Michigan, on the other hand...

[Misery]

Nicely worded, dear poet.
How does a Florida-sunshine-poet write so intimately of ice and freezing winds?

[Calliope]

Thank you very much! I've only lived in the Sunshine State for a few years, actually. Prior to that I lived in decidedly more...frigid, let's say...regions.

[Misery]

Understood.

[Demii]

I agree with the review below, I feel like I can almost see and breathe in winter just by closing my eyes. The detail you put and though of spring being buried and how cold will eat you alive, was just a great perspective. Keep writing I really enjoyed this!

[Calliope]

Thank you for the read and review, I appreciate that you took the time to do both. I'm glad you enjoyed it!