Brian Sambourne | + Follow Poet |
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A Snowman's Hold

snowman three meters high
an inelegant formation
     of grizzled snow packed in lumps 
                                   needing refinement 
stubby tree-branch arms 
glutching fastened balloons, blue and yellow
                  bobbing in the wet licks of wind

snowman towering, gently twisted
desperate grit to thwart a winter's thaw
as blue and yellow balloons bounce near an icy chest
                                like a slow tempo beat of heart
plundered sense of capture
quirky
resilient balloons 
scripted bits of childhood charm                
not yet swept aside by tempest

nearby
snatched away by breezes
one red balloon traces the street gutter
                             like a beggar foraging returnable cans
red balloon smitten with blotches of mud
deflating in the mercenary chill
its gentle sway like a cheeky concept of self
unrestrained
in the vagrancy of night



Poem composed February 7, 2023

Copyright © Brian Sambourne | Year Posted 2023

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Paula Goldsmith Date: 4/6/2023 10:27:00 AM A Snowman can tell many stories. I enjoyed your write. Have a blessed day............. Login to Reply Brian Sambourne Date: 4/6/2023 12:39:00 PM So true Paula. The snowman is a silent observer of activity that swirls about. Thank you for leaving a comment on my posting. Cheers Brian

Sara Kendrick Date: 2/26/2023 5:03:00 AM I like this one. I was wondering if the yellow and blue balloons had anything to do with support for Ukraine but then the red balloon comes into the picture. Maybe it means the wounded, or dead of both Ukraine and Russia. Thanks for sharing this one and for dropping by my page. This one reads like a winner in the contest to me. Way to go. Sara Login to Reply Brian Sambourne Date: 2/26/2023 8:18:00 AM Hi Sara, you've got it indeed. My neighbor built a huge snowman + tied the Ukrainian colored balloons to his stick arms. My muse took over from there. Be well + thanks very much for the stop by. Cheers Brian Sara Kendrick Date: 2/26/2023 5:04:00 AM Oh, I have got it now. Russia is known as Red. Sara

Charles Messina Date: 2/23/2023 12:25:00 PM Your poetry is really well-written, Brian. Another out-standing poem with spot-on imagery. Best wishes in the contest! Charlie Login to Reply Brian Sambourne Date: 2/23/2023 12:46:00 PM Greetings Charles, my appreciation for your affirmative view of my snowman-balloon poem. A neighbor constructed this giant snowman complete with balloons. A good image to work from. Sincerest regards, Brian

Gary Radice Date: 2/19/2023 10:12:00 PM There is so much to admire here Brian. Another superb write with such great imagery. The balloons and their colours add another dimension to your work. A brilliant use of metaphors. Cheers - Gary Login to Reply Brian Sambourne Date: 2/20/2023 5:31:00 AM Thank you, Gary, for your appraisal. The over sized snowman, like Ukraine in winter, fights for its survival. Yellow + blue balloons beat in a defiance of chippy wind. Perhaps the metaphorical intention wasn't as successful as I hoped, if readers slip by meaning. My appreciation for your valued support. Be well. Brian

Thomas Wells Date: 2/8/2023 8:49:00 AM Your strong imagery really brings this snowman to life! ",,, one red balloon traces the street gutter like a beggar foraging returnable cans" I love this image! Great writing, Brian! Login to Reply Brian Sambourne Date: 2/8/2023 12:33:00 PM Hi Thomas, My appreciation for your assessment of my poem. The color of the balloons is significant with the yellow + blue being the colors of the Ukrainian flag. Thank you for stopping by + leaving an affirmative note.. Cheers Brian