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Open Poetry #6
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jbowie
Member
since 2000-02-18
Posts 135
BANGOR (that OR) ME

0 posted 2000-03-14 11:39 PM


While the slow burning campfire embers fade
swiftly to ash, long tendrils of swirling smoke
drift upwards to mingle and disperse among
the dried mid-winter leaves that dance about
on the skeletal limbs of bare tree branches

A cold north wind turns it's bitter face towards
the frozen snow covered lake, whipping up
tiny swirling snow devils, that spin about
and come to rest in a snow drift, gathering
upon the boundaries of a freshly plowed road

Far from the fire, pawprints outline the path
taken by a slinking grey fox, that slows to listen
to the sounds of a shrew beneath the layered snow,
busily gathering the succulent roots of dormant
grass to tide it through the harsh winter season

As wind passes from lofty frosted heights,
it falls quickly as if weighted, bringing with it
a bitter nip of cold, forcing me to pull closed
my winter parka as I sip a thermos of hot cocoa
that warms me, in the midst of winter


 A real man
kisses his children goodnight

© Copyright 2000 James Bowie - All Rights Reserved
Michael
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-08-13
Posts 7666
California
1 posted 2000-03-15 10:13 AM


You took me there in every aspect, j.  felt that nip of cold, tasted the cocoa.  Wonderful imagery, my friend.


Michael

Denise
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-08-22
Posts 22648

2 posted 2000-03-15 04:28 PM


Excellent writing, James! I could feel that cold too! So glad Spring is just around the corner, aren't you?!

Denise

Rosemary J. Gwaltney
Senior Member
since 1999-08-26
Posts 997
northern mountains, Idaho
3 posted 2000-03-15 05:30 PM


Oh, do I love this poem!  I'm a north country girl, and the snow and the woodland countryside holds a magic for me that few seem to know.  You paint such vivid pictures! You capture me with wonderful imagery - appealing to every sense.  I'm going to keep this one in my file of poems to enjoy again and again forever.


Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049
California
4 posted 2000-03-15 05:31 PM


You have painted a beautiful picture for me with your words...thank you.
Nan
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-20
Posts 21191
Cape Cod Massachusetts USA
5 posted 2000-03-15 08:52 PM


Brrrrr.... Is it spring yet???

I like the visage, though.. Nice job, jb..

hoot_owl_rn
Member Patricius
since 1999-07-05
Posts 10750
Glen Hope, PA USA
6 posted 2000-03-15 09:44 PM


Wow....I can feel the chill with this one  
jbowie
Member
since 2000-02-18
Posts 135
BANGOR (that OR) ME
7 posted 2000-03-15 10:41 PM


Michael- thanks and it's still damn cold here

RJGwaltney- well gosh, haven't had anyone like one well enough to keep it before- and I understand about us north country people

Denise- yeah my bones are still waiting to thaw

Martie- thanks and hopefully you are not in this picture

Nan- Ah my adopted mother - thanks and I bet cape cod in warming up

Hoot owl rn yeah I about froze my tuckus that day-

thank you all for your replies

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