The Snows I Seek a Desperate Land

The Snows I Seek a Desperate Land

A Poem by JHByrd

The Snows I Seek a Desperate Land

-J.H. Byrd-

The snow drifts blanket thick

a desperate land

as the cold clutches villainously

to my bare hands.

Deep within the heart,
I trudge on
mutely held in awe
of the peace I have found within.
Sleeping trees whose 
stripped limbs 
stretch out in their silent agony
I, the procession
I, the stranger
yet I am marked by the flourishing feeling
of this desperate land.

Each breath chances to fleet;
drowning in the ashes,
I could choke if I breathe too deep
In the snow I leave no marks
of these
deformed claws,
serving purpose
of my own forged manacles.

Eternal winter torments on
more harshly than before.
Frozen limbs press to break
under the weight 
of one last sacred flake. 

Yet onward I trudge
in the calm serenity of the night.
My lips too strain to break
this fragile silence.

And these desperate lands
are home to a stranger
for the night.

© 2020 JHByrd


My Review

Would you like to review this Poem?
Login | Register




Reviews

I love this poem. Your descriptions are intense & powerful. I love the metaphor that "cold" could be anything that weighs one down or stifles one's spirit. Sometimes life can be so cold & hostile & contrary, it might feel like we're trudging thru some deep hostile winter. In fact, many feel this is how it's been since covid changed so many lives. But right now I'm in the middle of California wildfires, with one licking at my feet, so I'm reading this "cold" as also being "fire" as it stifles life around here (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

Posted 3 Years Ago


Although harsh elements are described, this poem may be more about an inner journey. The speaker apparently has some insight, for he speaks of "my own forged manacles." He apparently has not given up. Best of luck to him.

Posted 3 Years Ago


JHByrd

3 Years Ago

Thank you for the comment! And yes, this poem does reflect more about an inner journey.

Share This
Email
Facebook
Twitter
Request Read Request
Add to Library My Library
Subscribe Subscribe


Stats

36 Views
2 Reviews
Rating
Added on March 30, 2020
Last Updated on March 30, 2020

Author

JHByrd
JHByrd

About
I started writing when I was about 19 and have been working on and editing my old and new writings. I really appreciate any and all feedback. I enjoy writing in a manner that leaves ideas and c.. more..

Writing
Flames of Ivy Flames of Ivy

A Poem by JHByrd


Vagrant Vagrant

A Poem by JHByrd