Frolic

gravitating together,
       children - puffy fat in snowsuits - grasp 
                 one another's mittened hands, 
in-line unison,
        their fall backwards into a soft ridge of snow
       
kid-laughter dances on the bending wind of cold
       saturated tones of silliness
       freefall play
       repeated in fresh drifts with puckish twists
       newfound layers of warmth
with ruddy, winter-worn complexions

an untroubled time
      in the bruised abundance of snow
                               etched by imprints
winter's candy floss to children 
       life-loving voices that torch the chilling air
                                                               with joy
before heartbreak is definable
before bindings shape their toil




Poem composed February 20, 2022
Copyright © | Year Posted 2022

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

Kingston Avatar
June 2, 2023 at 7:18 PM
I want to be there with the children, pouring maple syrup on snow to make snow maple candy. "an un troubled time" so true in those moments. " Etched by imprints" Snow angels? "Winter's candy floss to children" What imagery, clever. I remember being on playground duty as a kindergarten teacher. Those little pink faces seemed to never get cold. 20 snow suits 40 mittens and 40 boots meant we got ready a half hour before recess! Children are fun to write about. I liked this one Brrr...
Sambourne Avatar
June 2, 2023 at 9:40 PM
You are so right, Marikate - children are a source of poetic inspiration. I am sure that you enjoyed many delightful times teaching kindergarten. I hope that all is well with you. Thank you for your kind remarks. Sincerely, Brian
Ashley Avatar
March 14, 2022 at 4:38 PM
Dear Brian, I adore this sweet peek into the children’s joy of playing in the snow from a bittersweet adult perspective. A magnificent and haunting piece poetically expressed with finesse full of enthralling imagery and symbolism.. to me the snow represents their abundant innocence and a reason to lift “life-loving voices”… which serves to make your last two lines all the more poignant. Exquisite poetry, my inspiring friend. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan
Ashley Avatar
March 14, 2022 at 6:58 PM
I understand your creative dilemma, Brian, but to me, those last two lines offer both a surprising twist and a contrasting vantage point that brought me into a whole new dimension of both viewing and feeling the joyful scene you created. I think the juxtaposition of the last two lines is poetic magic, dear poet…
Sambourne Avatar
March 14, 2022 at 6:30 PM
Greetings dear Susan, Thank you for your affirmative response to my small poem. I am still debating as to whether I should delete those final 2 lines you refer to. Seldom am I this uncertain. You are most gracious in your supportive note. With much appreciation for your thoughtfulness, Brian (Thank you, Susan, for your follow-up note. In the last lines, I tentatively included the shift to the future, for life and the hazards posed. On your thoughtful input, I will leave the piece as is. Best wishes always, Brian)
M  Avatar
March 4, 2022 at 7:14 AM
A beautiful poem of the joy and innocence of childhood. Loved it Brian. Debx
Sambourne Avatar
March 4, 2022 at 7:39 AM
Thank you, Deb. You are quite right - joy + innocence are hallmarks of childhood. Best wishes, Brian
Marcum Wong Avatar
February 25, 2022 at 7:06 PM
Your poem is so filled with the innocence of childhood joy. I can just see the children laying there making snow angels. I love your entry Brian. I am putting it into my faves! Congratulations on your most deserving First Place win. Blessings xxoo
Sambourne Avatar
February 25, 2022 at 9:26 PM
Hello Connie, most grateful for your stop by + affirmative note. On my walk to the gym, I pass a daycare. The young children left their images in fresh mounds of drifted snow. My muse caught the image. With sincerest regards, Brian
Leiser Avatar
February 25, 2022 at 3:39 PM
Your wintry scene with children playing in the snow is expertly written, with just the right touches of imagery and emotion, Brian! Good luck in the contest. :)
Sambourne Avatar
February 25, 2022 at 9:22 PM
Thank you Laura. We have had a snowy winter here.I caught the scene of children at a local day care lining up, a clasp of hands, a unified fall backward into snow. Their laughter thawed the air. With appreciation, Brian
Horsman Avatar
February 24, 2022 at 7:42 PM
LOve it, Brian, Takes me back to the Yorkshire dales where i grew up. Thanks for the memory and the wonderful poetry.
Sambourne Avatar
February 24, 2022 at 8:26 PM
Greetings Harry. I always appreciate your visits to my small postings + your supportive comments. Indeed, children at play can spark a poem with their gleeful exuberance. With appreciation. 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