Deep Freeze

“Snow Storm” collage by Vera Simons

 

the air crinkles
like cellophane
clinging to skin
each inhale
an icy shock
shuddering lungs
each exhale a
gelid cold cloud
soft beards become
stiff wired brushes
and tears turn to
gemstones set
still on the cheek
arctic needles
prick pores
frigid stings
into layers of
muslin and down
till the core vents
the last of its
organic warmth
ahh
the bracing brisk joy
of a life sharp and
clean in the fierce
freezing throes of
a rigorous winter

(originally posted January 2014)

Cancel Morning

 

Photo by Shutterbug74

(Originally posted February 2014)
 

 

what grows in the winter but the cold
pushes lengthening fingers of frost
along sidewalks and down dead-end streets
up the stairs into parlors no purpose
at hand but to freeze every clock and
with that put a stop to the end of the night

Frozen April

Daffodils Under Stress

cold cracks tender stems
white smothers new green
with its jealousy
early glory of spring
quashed by winter’s revenge

Subzero

“Cold Mountain” by Cristina Del Sol

no season for sadness

as tears turn to crystal

no freedom to grieve

a more ambient winter

icy fingertips sting

to be stranded

so far from the heart

breathless lungs seize

in shock of the cold

not allowing the voice

to enunciate sorrow

it’s left to the pines

pained and strained

by the hammering wind

to moanfully mourn

such arctic aggression

Arrest

Beede Falls
Sandwich Notch, New Hampshire
Photo from dicksandy.org

cataracts freeze
sculpt vertical accidents
gravity suspended

Winter Garden

“Frozen Garden”
Painting by Mikael Huhtala
From fineartamerica.com

hostas cut to the quick
shoulders hunker and shiver
dreaming of snowmelt