After the Storm

Savage whims of winter
          that bring freezing rain
          unrestrained
          in a sky re-grouping
          flaired forceful with the cold

Ice coated, leaf-less trees that bend
          like old men over their canes
Trees from an underworld,  
          frigid
          brutally hobbled by their rich, new coating

Maple trees, 
          heavy
          that seem to weep with worry
Glaze baked into branches that gleam
          in sober sunlight
          like a church lit by candles

Ice that flickers with sorrow and beauty
           a crystal knave
           inviting awe and repulsion
           for sheeted frost that veils the landscape

Refracted light, 
          glistening
          to fill the cramped chill of winter
Still life stiffened that crackles and hisses 
          when the wind blows

An icy, lush world that loiters in our minds, 
          stealthily
          to shimmer in our slumber






Poem composed: December 17, 2020
Copyright © | Year Posted 2020

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Daniels Avatar
June 9, 2025 at 1:03 AM
Excellent imagery. Powerful oscillations. Loved the last 3 lines. ThkU for offering x.
Sambourne Avatar
June 9, 2025 at 6:52 PM
Most appreciative of your kind comments and (of course) for reading my entry. I was surprised and delighted that a fifth place positioning did not deter thoughtful poets from reading the poem. Thanks again.
Poet Avatar
June 8, 2025 at 6:19 AM
Brian, hearty congratulations on your contest win with this nicely penned poem.
Sambourne Avatar
June 8, 2025 at 8:52 AM
Greetings Sotto Poet I appreciate your stop by and supportive note. Enjoy June and the summer roll out.
Rodrigues Avatar
June 8, 2025 at 5:54 AM
Very nice! Saving as a fave! Want to read again. Lovely alliteration!
Sambourne Avatar
June 8, 2025 at 8:49 AM
Thanks very much for your thoughtful message Kim. I hope all is well with you.
Ibeh Avatar
July 23, 2023 at 1:01 PM
Congratulations also on this beauty of a poem! It's an honor to share the PS home page with you, Brian:-)
Sambourne Avatar
July 23, 2023 at 2:12 PM
Thanks very much, Edward. You are a gentleman + poet of the highest order. Best wishes, Brian
Ray Choudhury Avatar
January 28, 2022 at 7:06 AM
Really beautiful, Brian. Your images and word-choices are stunning! BW ~ Mala
Sambourne Avatar
January 28, 2022 at 8:06 AM
Greetings Mala. Thank you for your gracious comment on my work. Hope that you are well. Sincerely, Brian
Alex Avatar
January 28, 2022 at 12:01 AM
Vivid images. Beautiful writing. Congratulations!
Sambourne Avatar
January 28, 2022 at 6:00 AM
Thank you, Christuraj, for your supportive note on my poem. Be well. Brian
Radice Avatar
December 27, 2021 at 1:14 PM
Beautifully descriptive Brian. Your words ooze atmosphere. I can almost see the CO2 as I breathe out. Nature comes alive in every single one of your lines. Congratulations in Brian's contest. Cheers - Gary
Sambourne Avatar
December 27, 2021 at 7:10 PM
Thanks very much Gary. Your visits + comments on my postings are much appreciated. Best of the season. Brian
Raiser Avatar
December 15, 2020 at 4:15 PM
Ice storms are magically beautiful and destructive at the same time. I enjoyed your description.
Sambourne Avatar
December 16, 2020 at 1:37 PM
Thank you Belden. I appreciate your positive response. Thoughtful of you to leave a message. Best wishes, Brian
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace