Summer Reprieve

The joy of summer can still be had in winter if you know where to look.

Just to the east, on the outskirts of the city.

 Down by the water, is a place that's sleepy but real.

Waves slap the shore there, like mothers disciplining their children.

Sailboats bobb up and down in the harbor like apples in a tub at Halloween.

Their hulls frosted over like beer mugs.

Winterized and hunkered down like hibernating bears.

They slumber as they dream of sacrosanct, sunburnt summer.

Their masts telescoping upward above the horizon like submarine periscopes searching for seasonal warmth.

Tacit torpedoes at the ready.

Geese honk like a family squabbling in the inlet where they have climbed onto frozen dry land.

The scent of unadulterated winter solace permeates the air like expensive perfume.

No one can touch this frozen femme fatale and live.

 It is off limits and forbidden.

The sun reflects from the windows of the houses on the point like mirrors.

The snow covers the dock like a white comforter.

It absorbs the cylindrical sound of cars in the distance like a pair of earmuffs.

The wind whistles through the moorings and pilings under the pier pouring out a cold breeze like chilled wine from a glass.

My breath visible in solstice.

The crunch of old snow under my Bohemian boots.

Seagulls soar and swoop overhead like confetti, where they can see tomorrow and ...

 ... yesterday is but a distant memory ...

Reviews

[Giulia King]

Pete! Can't believe, I missed this masterpiece. I apologize for that! Your words flow so beautifully, as always :)

[Pete]

a place i go to almost daily which speaks volumes to me. looked around and described what i was observing and feeling. so kind Gullia. thank you.

[Kelly Scheppers]

You write like it was a second nature to you, Pete. And the imagery you afford us to see, is astounding!

[Pete]

thanks K.S. my favorite place to go which speaks to me when i am there. tried to capture a little of what it's like to share. such kind review. you rock!

[Kelly Scheppers]

I loved a lot of the expressions you wrote, Pete. Like the sailboats bobbing up and down in the harbor like apples in the tub at Halloween, and the crunch of old snow under Bohemian boots. It was a monopoly to feast upon, wrapped abundantly in metaphors...what was not to like?

[Pete]

ahh. you're very kind. i like your style and sense someone who tries to live life to the fullest! thank you.

[Kelly Scheppers]

...yes indeed...every day!

[Great Aunt Astri]

Lovely imaginative similes conjure up a beautiful place. Nature can be so restful and inspiring. I enjoyed your poem.

[Pete]

thanks G.A.A. a place i love to go to any time of year!

[Xuru]

I liked the little slice of summer you served for us.

[Pete]

thanks Xuru. i love nature and the seasons. appreciate the read.

[Xuru]

Sometimes that's all we need.

[Diamond]

Proper piece of imagery... "Sailboats bobb up and down in the harbor like apples in a tub at Halloween" ...I felt the wave in my body as if I was on one of those boats. :)

[Pete]

thanks Queen. i'm glad that i could effectively describe the feeling. i do my best when i write to capture what i am feeling & experiencing and relate it but sometimes i wonder if i am just wasting my time. i do enjoy writing & am a very emotional, observant person but lack self confidence & often doubt myself for good or bad ...

[Diamond]

We just have to do it, irrespective of how it is coming out...I had been learning music for 3 years now. The first verse that I learnt which is of about 4 lines, that one..I am able to sing it with an acceptable ease, only now. No need of confidence, just keep doing.

[Hebe]

You just painted the most beautiful picture with your words! Looks like a lovely place .... i could feel the chill in the air, awesome!

[Pete]

thanks Hebe. yes, a very lovely, peaceful place i walk to almost daily. tried to capture what it's like there to share.

[MsJewel]

You have painted an amazing picture with your words. Lovely! :) Julie

[Pete]

a place i go to almost daily. thank you kindly. i am ever so delighted. :)