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

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Marikate Kingston

Date: 6/2/2023 7:18:00 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...

Brian Sambourne
Date: 6/2/2023 9:40:00 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

Susan Ashley

Date: 3/14/2022 4:38:00 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

Susan Ashley
Date: 3/14/2022 6:58:00 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…

Brian Sambourne
Date: 3/14/2022 6:30:00 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)

Deb M

Date: 3/4/2022 7:14:00 AM

A beautiful poem of the joy and innocence of childhood. Loved it Brian. Debx

Brian Sambourne
Date: 3/4/2022 7:39:00 AM

Thank you, Deb. You are quite right - joy + innocence are hallmarks of childhood. Best wishes, Brian

Connie Marcum Wong

Date: 2/25/2022 7:06:00 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

Brian Sambourne
Date: 2/25/2022 9:26:00 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

Laura Leiser

Date: 2/25/2022 3:39:00 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. :)

Brian Sambourne
Date: 2/25/2022 9:22:00 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

Harry Horsman

Date: 2/24/2022 7:42:00 PM

LOve it, Brian, Takes me back to the Yorkshire dales where i grew up. Thanks for the memory and the wonderful poetry.

Brian Sambourne
Date: 2/24/2022 8:26:00 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