Ancient Winter

The old man, who slowly walks with the cane 
Many years ago, he looked just as you do
He was handsome, virile and tall
Living then so easy, no matter the weather
Today, his bones curve; and once steady gait, slowed
He recalls that each season came bearing gifts
Spring, brought youth and delightful promises
Summer, glorious heat to warm and nourish his body
Autumn, a gift of reflection and he'd count blessings
While winter, pretentious, came empty handed
And youth fell for his clever guise each time
How he would dazzle with breathless beauty!
Coming at precise moments of vulnerability
With his pristine cloak of soft white to beguile
He would pose as a friend come for a visit
While he convinces that he'll never remain
All the time he possess your body stealthily 
Then wait in silence, lurking in your bones
As he runs schemes to steal away your youth
That old man, now frail, spend days before a fire 
And in solitude, reminisces about his past
He did not see winter as ancient or deceptive 
Had no clue that winter is never to taste joy
Today, he still brings out his best brandy
And gladly shares with his permanent guest 
The youthful years have all dissapeared
And like the magical portrait of Dorian Gray
Winter appears younger and prettier, still!

~*~
This was fun! : )
Copyright © | Year Posted 2011

Poem

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12
Brown Avatar
February 25, 2011 at 11:31 AM
Congratulations Annalise, on your well deserved win in Chris D. Aechtner's contest " Free Verse For Winter". Love, Carol
Kendrick Avatar
February 19, 2011 at 1:13 PM
Congratulations on your win..Sara
Puddifoot Avatar
February 19, 2011 at 10:06 AM
congrats on this 3rd place winning poem, enjoyed reading...
Pettit Avatar
February 19, 2011 at 12:13 AM
Annalise, you did it again. Congratulations on winning with this entry.
Horsman Avatar
February 18, 2011 at 11:38 PM
Annalise this is so wonderful, such imagery, i enjoy reading your poems so much, and this is up with the best. congrats on this deserved winner. Harry
Mannan Avatar
February 18, 2011 at 7:56 PM
Truly magical. many congrats for this win dear friend.
Mehta Avatar
February 18, 2011 at 5:35 PM
Congratulations on the third place win in the contest of Chris, Annalise
Gorelick Avatar
February 18, 2011 at 4:30 PM
I dont know how he ever judged this contest..whew..I would have placed this higher..its just great. BG
Guzzi Avatar
February 18, 2011 at 2:05 PM
So cool i want to meet the man! Congrad's on this fine win! Light & Love
K. Avatar
February 18, 2011 at 1:49 PM
This is such a wonderful read, Annalise!! really enjoyed reading this one and no wonder it won :) Super congrats to you :)!!
Freeman Avatar
February 18, 2011 at 11:58 AM
Annalise, Congratulations on your honorable and worthy poem's win. Agape, Moses
Richards Avatar
February 18, 2011 at 11:13 AM
Wow....such a story of age, cold, and chill.... excellent story telling, dear Annalise!! Excellent win!!
Devonshire Avatar
February 18, 2011 at 10:19 AM
So happy to see your poem in the winners' circle, Annalise. Congratulations! Love, Carolyn
Benkhen Avatar
February 18, 2011 at 9:51 AM
Wow! Wonderful write.
Onclaud Avatar
February 18, 2011 at 9:18 AM
anna, your words are always award winning treasures. hip, hip, hurrah for the BIG-TIME win..:) huggs, nette
Sweetheart Avatar
February 18, 2011 at 8:48 AM
Congrats Annalise on your amazing win in the Winter Free Verse contest with an always excellent entry my friend.. enjoy another top spot for a top notch piece luv..
Knop Avatar
February 14, 2011 at 8:44 AM
Hi Annalise, thanks to God I don't need a cane yet, but who knows? Getting old is not bad but I'd prefer getting old without too many health problems. Enjoyed the read of your great poem today! And thank you for you ongoing kind comments! Have a great week ahead and take care...Gert
Davidson Avatar
February 14, 2011 at 8:00 AM
Thank you for your very kind comments on my recent poem, come to the waters. This excellent writing. Robert
Wellington Avatar
February 13, 2011 at 7:34 PM
You my friend should have your poetry inducted in the Poetry Hall of Fame. (Wherever that is). Just beautiful, a story to enjoy. Thanks for your visit and comments, thanks for your support in everything. Love and blessings, Joy (Jew)
Freeman Avatar
February 13, 2011 at 12:19 PM
Great Job Annalise on your metaphor of winter. Thanks also for y participation on my blog. Agape, Moses
Locksley Avatar
February 13, 2011 at 5:38 AM
That picture of Dorian Gray really summed up your message well Annalise. We can't stay young forever. I hope you entered this in the winter free verse contest.. Best to you, Diane
Pettit Avatar
February 12, 2011 at 3:20 PM
The Rolling Stones said "What a drag it is getting old". You have described the process well with your chosen words in this offering.
Austin Avatar
February 12, 2011 at 10:23 AM
I used to say that I like the cold weather better than the hot, but then came this winter - temperature never above 32, weeks and weeks of intense cold. This old man walks with bones curved and unsteady gait. Love, Dave
Neels Avatar
February 11, 2011 at 10:24 PM
Annalise the fun you had while writing this one is clearly evident.. Stunning personification as well.. Hope your weekend will be an awesome one, love Wilma
Sweetheart Avatar
February 11, 2011 at 4:27 PM
thankxx so very much for cliche spelling luv.. I thought it looked incorrect but the red line never appeared so I let it go but leave it to my brilliant friend to help out a "Sweetheart".. appreciate and good luck again ..luv..
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