Snow on Cypress Trees

Snow on Cypress Trees

 

 

Once again it's the time of year
for the cognitive joys

of holidays past.

 

Carved turkeys and crusted pies

rekindle warm memories

of bustling preparations

in the kitchen,
with generations of family at hand
and pots of coffee brewing.

Leaves in a vast array
show no signs of winter here

in California…

where a heart is heavy
like snow on cypress trees.

Author's Note

...missing home, family and friends.

Reviews

[Neville]

I understand that ache,
here you have so eloquently reminded me of things that I once loved, now lost

Neville

[Kelly Scheppers]

How well I remember those kitchen preparations...I can almost smell the coffee brewing. How wonderful for me, that you remember them, too!

[Neville]

they are unforgettable aren't they :)

[Dave]

It is so interesting how you contrast the supposed joy of holiday reverie with the sadness that often accompanies it. Families at odds with one another, loved ones no longer with them. An odd mix of joy and melancholy. Nicely written.
Take care - Dave

[Kelly Scheppers]

I believe the joy and melancholy go hand in hand for many of us. Thank you, Dave!

[Dave]

Sadly, what you say is true.

Take care - Dave

[C. M. Miller]

Oh, how you quietly sneak into my reverie . . . looking back into my space & time when the family was ALL, even when separated by miles and memories. Snow and memories . . . both melt with time. Thank you for the look back.

[Kelly Scheppers]

My pleasure, my good, good friend!

[barleygirl]

I love how you contrast kitchen food (great details) & warmth with the melancholy many people experience during holidays. My sister lost her hubby & our mom . . . a friend lost her hubby & sister . . . list goes on . . . tough holidays for many & I love imagery of snow on cypress, contrasted with our sunny Cali winters! (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Kelly Scheppers]

It's always a pleasure hearing from you, Margie! Thank you. Hope it hasn't been too chilly in your neck of the woods. It was 37 degrees here the other morning...I rolled over and went back to sleep! ; )

[barleygirl]

I'm well into that whiny stage of February where a 40* morning feels polar! *wink! wink!* Such Cali wimps we are!

[Dara]

Happy New Year, Kelly! I am not onsite as often lately and seemed to have missed your lovely nostalgic poem. I too, miss those past Christmases. It is never the same especially considering those who are no longer with us. Perhaps keeping those memories alive in our hearts will help ease the longing. May this year prove to be your best yet!

[Kelly Scheppers]

I wish the very same for you, Dara. Thank you!

[Travis Gibson (poetic h..]

Articulated beautifully... So very affecting!

[Kelly Scheppers]

How good it is to see you, Travis! Thank you, kindly!

[Travis Gibson (poetic heroics)]

I pop in from time to time. Just have to leave something one of these days when I do. Lol

[poetgurl]

I miss my family so much, makes me miss all the good times i once spent. So well written and expressed.

[Kelly Scheppers]

Thank you, Kimmie. It warms my heart you enjoyed it!

[Jimmy Yetts]

Can't imagine spending Christmastime in Summer-like conditions.
Though, once, celebrating the Winter holidays without my many relatives and friends
would have been unthinkable, now, it's just the way it is.
My heart, too, Kelly, is often "heavy like snow on cypress trees."
Impressive work!

[Kelly Scheppers]

I'll be the first to admit that I never pictured myself living here in California. It's the new normal I've adapted myself to. Thank you most kindly, Jimmy!

[Insight "MH"]

I miss my family too. Thank you for reminding me of the valuable things in life in a beautiful way.

[Kelly Scheppers]

It was my pleasure. Thank you!

[An owl on the moon]

You weave a beauty here even in the bittersweet. I remember those California Christmas days... having to drive for hours to find any snow or chill... and yes, there is a sweet heaviness in those remembrances. I wish you now only joy in this coming year. I am actually seeing 2020 again... after a very long time! :)

[Kelly Scheppers]

And I wish you much joy in the new year, Craig. Thank you for the warmth you bring!