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

[Lydia Shutter]

(((Kelly))))) I totally understand these words and can identify with them...unfortunately. This time of year we miss what once was and wish some of the people who used to celebrate with us were still with us. I wish you and your loved ones a Merry Christmas. Your emotional poem has touched me. Lydi**

[Kelly Scheppers]

Your words always comfort me, Lydi. Here's to a new decade, my friend!

[augustus]

Very seasonal and appropriate. Thank you Kelly.

[Kelly Scheppers]

...thank you, Augustus!

[Terpsichore]

This time of the year, more than any other, tends to sharpen our focus on friends and family, those loved ones no longer physically with us, but still living on in precious memory.

A powerfully evocative poem, that rekindled much personal memory for me.

T

[Kelly Scheppers]

Thank you for the warmth your words bring me! Merry Christmas!

[Robert Trakofler]

I often this time of year think back to my childhood and the convening of my extended family all of the faces that I would not get to see much of during the year and yes the first snow fall always felt like magic:) now I think back to all of those faces that are gone now and I remember every one of them and when the light is just right and I see the Star refractions from the corner of my eye as a tear of remembrance falls I feel them embrace my heart and nudge me to not mourn, but revel...dear Kelly :)

[Kelly Scheppers]

What a beautiful, insightful interpretation. Thank you, Robert. I hope your Christmas season is warm with memories!

[Marie-Louise.]

A lovely rendition of Christmas. I can hear the pots bubbling, and people bustling, all busy,busy, getting everything ready for Christmas dinner. I am sorry thta you will not be there with them. We are the same. We have invited a friend to stay over with us. It will be quiet, but we shall make the most of it. I do wish you a Happy Christmas Kelly.
Where are you? How far from home? Best wishes to you from me, Marie-Louise

[Kelly Scheppers]

I'm an east coast girl, missing home like crazy at this time of year. Whatever would we do without the warmth our memories provide us? Thank you so much...and a very merry Christmas to you!

[redzone]

I have always found this time of year sad.... not just for loss of loved ones, but for it's hypocrisy.... "peace on earth, goodwill toward men' where in the world is this??? and what about women, shouldn't they too have peace and goodwill???.... it stares us right in the face and no amount of hallmark movies can change this... I like spending time with family, friends and having big feasts, or renewing friendships... but isn't this something we should do all the time.... perhaps if we did there would be more peace on earth, goodwill toward humanity.... that alone would be worth celebrating

[Kelly Scheppers]

I think it's a time of year that takes a toll on everyone. The world has certainly changed since our parents were children, and will continue to revolve. I think they had it better back then, for the true meaning of Christmas wasn't as marketed as it is today. I hope the peace of the season finds you well, and continues to shine its light upon you throughout the coming year. Thank you, Curt!

[Marie-Louise.]

I feel for you. But memories are heart warming...Happy Christmas

[Kelly Scheppers]

Thank you, Marie-Louise. Your kindness warms my heart! Merry Christmas!

[Jibey]

This writing begins with nostalgic reflections on the bustle of the Christmas season, and then opens up to reveal the poet's heartache. The snow on the cypress trees is an effective image, contrasting with the sameness of the California air.

[Kelly Scheppers]

It's always a privilege having you here, Jibey. Thank you!

[David Klay]

Great title! The poem unravels the title perfectly. Christmas time seems to bring either great joy or great sadness. I hope you find great joy in your memories to comfort you.

[Kelly Scheppers]

Hey David - good to see you! Thank you so much!

[Patricia Wedel]

dear Kelly... sometimes we do feel
Like heavy ❄️ on a Cypress tree.
My son Robert lives in Utah with Leilani and
their two girls Shannah 7 and Kahless 5.
Even though they visited us for a week in May...
I miss them every day, especially when it Snows. With 💗 love, Pat

[Kelly Scheppers]

I think the snow makes us all children at heart. Much love and many blessings, Pat!