Hello and Happy Poetry Friday! Be sure to visit Laura Shovan for Roundup.
After a busy start to 2021, finally, some space to breathe this week!
I don't know about you, but this time of year I get a little clutter-crazy... as in I WANT TO CLEAN EVERYTHING OUT. So I've been moving files from my studio filing cabinet to the attic; sorting through the closet and discarding things I never wear; and throwing away the expired food in my pantry.
I also LOVE to rearrange furniture and came thisclose to moving our piano from my studio to the family room—and then changed my mind. I called the piano tuner, and that's that. As soon as he comes, I am for sure not moving it. (It belongs in my studio. Truly.)
And, even in Alabama, it's still winter... here's my latest ArtSpeak: FOUR SEASONS offering. Thank you for reading!
Let's go walking
in the snow, in the snow—
let's discover where the deer go.
As our boots squeak
and our cheeks turn pink—
we'll soon forget about the cold
as the snowswept woods unfold.
Let's go walking
in the snow, in the snow—
let's listen for the bird-show.
Hear that song, soft and clear,
full of love for this time of year—
for snow so wet and deep
and some seeds buried beneath the heap?
Let's go walking
in the snow, in the snow—
our footsteps mapping happiness
wherever we go.
Right there with you in the decluttering. I wish it looked like it! I just sent a dear one a snowman card. Going out into the snow gives me a sense of beginnings. Even if it is cold, it's as inspiring in the spring. I love the invitation in your poem. Who could resist?
ReplyDelete"Our footsteps mapping happiness" -- how I love that, Irene! Metaphorically, what a wonderful way to pay kindness forward. I'm with you on clutter patrol, BTW. Not sure I'm making as much progress as you are, but you've inspired me keep at it! xo
ReplyDeleteBeautifully rendered, this power of the snow and inherent hopes!
ReplyDeleteI just read a new picture book about walking in the snow. This family was snow-shoeing to their cabin & the author showed all the delights hidden in winter. I know they would love your poem, Irene, the magic they were feeling and you have expressed, as Michelle writes, "Our footsteps mapping happiness." Like others, I love the art, too!
ReplyDeleteOur footsteps mapping happiness! Love that, Irene! I'm struggling to get outdoors much because it's been so cold that all the bundling up for a quick walk is too much hassle. It only feels worth it if I can get out for at least 20-30 minutes, and the schedule's just not allowing that right now. But I love winter and snow. Thank you for this wonderful winter-happy poem!
ReplyDeleteI love the repetition of "Let's go walking in the snow, in the snow-", Irene. It's like the crunch of my boots in our snow flocked forest...magical. :)
ReplyDeleteI love the invitation in your poem and the warm celebration of this cold season. "our footsteps mapping happiness/wherever they go" --what a great ending!
ReplyDeleteIrene, This line "our footsteps mapping happiness/wherever we go," took me right back to my winter walk with my little Sierra. I asked her to stop walking to listen to nature. This time we did not hear the birds but we enjoyed the walk. I plan on sharing your poem with her. Yesterday, on our family walk with friends, we did stop to watch the duck and geese play in the water-No sounds but lots of scenic observations and photos.
ReplyDeleteYour poem made me happy, Irene...you mapped happiness all the way to Maryland! xo
ReplyDeleteGorgeous poem, Irene. There's so much to discover on a snowy walk --looking, listening. (Have you watched Marie Kondo on Netflix? Before we moved, I loved thinking about her approach to decluttering.)
ReplyDeleteThere is no end of what one could say about snow. It's so interesting to see such a joyful poem paired with a Munch painting. It's a lovely painting and so different from his darker work.
ReplyDeleteLOVE the repetition in your poem. This one will be SO fun to read aloud!
ReplyDeleteWhat an *attractive* form, Irene! Deft simplicity (a relief from the complexity, for sure). How do you think about what to post and whither it may eventually land?
ReplyDeleteI am also feeling the urge to declutter, but haven't yet started. I am hoping for more snow this winter. So far there has not been much at all. But my daughter is quite enjoying her first Alabama winter. She nearly froze when she came home at Christmas (and except for one day, it really wasn't that cold in IN.)
ReplyDeleteI love that mapping happiness. So perfect.
ReplyDeleteIrene, I love that your poem is a great invitation for children and adults to use their senses in the woods. Your rhythm, rhyme, and repetition make your poem singsong like when read aloud. I can picture kids singing it as they discover winter wonders. Thank you for sharing happiness in winter! Yesterday, my husband and cross-country skied in below 0 temperatures and I took pics and I was writing a poem in my head the whole time. I live in upstate NY above Albany, near Saratoga Springs not far from the Adirondack mountains.
ReplyDelete