Tuesday Poem: “Midwinter”
Midwinter
Already noon
and the bright midwinter sun
only now taking
the iron-hard edge
off the frost…
… so many tasks wait,
stealth weeds creeping
between bricks and shrubs,
the guttering that becomes
a waterfall in heavy rain
overflowing with leaves
as I watch the steam
curl from my coffee cup;
the sun peers in the bay
window, waits for the cat
to stir from my lap,
for my hand to turn
the last page in my book.
.
© Helen Lowe, 2011
.
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I seem to be in the mode for what I would call “occasional” poems—and definitely with a “domestic” theme, ie these are not poems about venturing out into the world; quite clearly the opposite, in fact, with Midwinter.
Once again, enjoy. And as always, feedback is welcome.
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Hi Helen – congrats on reaching your deadline a day ahead of schedule!
We both feature waterfalls in our poems this week. . . funny how such things happen in and around TP from week to week. I’m enjoying your ‘occasional’ poems – a friend once suggested we never underestimate the substance inherent in things ‘apparently ordinary’ and everyday.
Hi Claire—I enjoyed your waterfall poem, too.:) And you’re right, there is often a synchronicity of theme around the Tuesday Poem posts, which I enjoy! I am enjoying the occasional poems, too, not least simply because I am writing poetry again after the best part of a year’s hiatus. And I love it: poetry is such an integral part of the writer I am.
Helen
I may be no judge (not having been a stellar student in the poetry sections of creative writing courses) but I love this one.
Thanks
Robin
Robin, for me, if the poem ‘speaks’ to a reader then it has succeeded, so I am glad that Midwinter has ‘spoken’ to you.:)
there is something about the curling steam and the stirring cat that both cohere and seem to me to be hugely satisfying – reassuring – cosy – the sounds are lovely, but it’s just those two things I think…
Thanks, Mary: it’s great to get feedback on what works/does not work so well from readers.:)
This poem captures a moment so completely it’s as if you’ve paused the image on the video so that we can really look at it. Brilliant!
Thank you, Kathleen–I really appreciate your feedback.
Thank you for sharing another beautiful poem with us, Helen! 😀
Giada: You’re welcome.:)
A really great poem– as always! 🙂
Thank you, Chelsea—& i think I should have another one for you next week.:)