Geriatric Jack (Frost)

That grand old poem called Winter. - Thoreau

i pass by the innocent river

as it struggles to remain unfrozen

its slow but steady, eternal flow resisting frigidity

patches of white, peanut brittle ice forming around rocks, sporadically at its banks

here and there, a bent tree touches the water

forming icicles like a chandelier

upside down bottles of corona beer

crystal clear

i cross over the bridge to downtown, main street

past the old, brick mill

the wind howls and moans its painful discomfort

blowing down the sidewalk, forming an inescapable, blue, steel vortex

cutting like a serrated knife

biting like an insatiable, teething dog

time to go home and feed the fire another log

i'll wear gloves so that i don't get a splinter

lord knows i wouldn't want to upset old man winter

Author's Note

"In winter we lead a more inward life. Our hearts are warm and cheery, like cottages under drifts, whose windows and doors are half concealed, but from whose chimneys the smoke cheerfully ascends." - Thoreau

Reviews

[Ern M. Yoshimoto]

i really enjoyed this lyrical and confessional piece. as always, you describe the nature so well and brings the reader into that scene. but i liked the inclusion of corona beer bottles. this heightens the experience. while i hate littering, the fact that you mention it makes me think you were really there and are describing what you saw warts and all. as the narrative moves into the city, i can see your expression changing. i also live in a city with some reluctance.

[Pete]

good observations. i do much prefer the country over the city. thank you for sharing thoughts em.

[D. Mansfield]

Great descriptive narration, i was walking with you

[Pete]

well, if you were there then mission accomplished. thanks for taking the walk d.

[Amanda Reynolds]

I love your poem, but especially the first two lines (the personification, imagery and just great writing), I also love how you introduce your poems with a Thoreau quote.

[Pete]

just writing what i saw and felt that day. thanks for acknowledging my muse thoreau also. thanks much for sharing amanda.

[Poetic Beauty]

I love the comparison to growing old and winter in this piece. The images are stunningly painted allowing a clear vision of the scenery. Winter can be beautiful in its brutal cold. Now if only I could stay inside and not have to go out. Lol

[Pete]

i don't think anyone wants to go outside. i see hardly a soul out and about. the wind bites and the cold numbs.

[Poetic Beauty]

Unbelievably there are those who enjoy the cold and snow.
Even though I’m a bit fluffy I still despise the cold

[Pete]

well, you do like it hot and i'm not talking 'bout the weather ...

[Poetic Beauty]

That I do. I feel many emotions on very deep levels within my heart and soul

[Pete]

me too, it's both a blessing and a curse.

[Poetic Beauty]

It is but I’m slowly learning how to control some of the negative and focus more on the positive.
It’s definitely a lot more f work. It in changing your mindset and that is grueling work

[Chris Shaw]

peanut brittle ice - wonderful description. Fabulous imagery in these lines. We too have bitterly cold weather at present. Put another log on the fire. Keep warm.

Chris

[Pete]

thanks chris. wow. seems this cold has invaded everywhere. almost no one dares be outside for any length of time. bitter temps and biting wind - brrr. although there is a beauty to it.

[Thomas W Case]

Tremendous imagery. You bring this to live with sharpness and a vivid word painting.

[Pete]

thanks twc. looks like you guys are getting this cold blast too.

[MCS]

What an amazing visual you've painted here. Enjoyed!

[Pete]

thank you for the kind, heart warming review in chilly times.