Snowstorm

grim starkness of snow
sturdy in its sleeted falling 
willing a bleached landscape
a lushness
that chokes the rough field terrain

strides of power
as the fevered wind
spirals In an unexpected direction
inflates drifts like the arched back of a cat
whitening truant brown borders of decay
to bury even shadows

bare trees by fence lines slump like hollow men
in a protected sanctuary of cold
re-shaping confessions that slip
in winter chill extinction 



Poem composed January 3, 2023
Copyright © | Year Posted 2023

Poem

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Kingston Avatar
January 19, 2024 at 9:02 PM
Oh gosh, funny I would come across this poem tonight. Right now in the northeast we are having an absolute white out with almost 6 inches of snow so far. I think it's pretty actually. "A bleached landscape" perfectly describes my back yard. What a clever description. I love metaphors. I liked your line, "bare trees by fence lines, slump like hallow men" I can see them as I read, a perfect description. Clever, clever, clever!
Sambourne Avatar
January 19, 2024 at 9:12 PM
Winter sometimes has a long and lasting hold. I hope your snowstorm isn't too severe. Thank you, Marikate, for your drop by + supportive message. Stay safe + warm. There's more of a white numbness to come. Thinking of you, Brian
Ashley Avatar
January 23, 2023 at 9:06 PM
Dear Brian, I'm enraptured by your artistic portrayal of a snowstorm. Such vivid imagery and metaphors come alive on the poetic page with the splendid sorcery of your enchanted pen. I absolutely adore "inflates drifts like the arched back of a cat" -yes! It is exactly like that.. and "bare trees by fence lines slump like hollow men" - indeed they do! Your Snowstorm warms and stirs my imagination like a steaming cup of cocoa on a winter's eve. Brilliant every verse, my inspiring friend. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan
Sambourne Avatar
January 23, 2023 at 9:13 PM
Dear Susan, If my poem could match your uplifting appraisal, I'd be the most happy fellow on Poetrysoup's fertile ground. Thank you immensely. Canada's bleak January weather is inspiration for many a snow heavy verse. Be well. With much appreciation, Brian
M  Avatar
January 22, 2023 at 6:24 AM
Beautiful imagery, beautiful poem Brian…..Debx
Sambourne Avatar
January 22, 2023 at 6:45 AM
Very appreciative of your drop by + comment, Deb. Not too many snowstorms in our locale this year. Saves one's back. Thanks again, Brian
Ligon Avatar
January 11, 2023 at 9:47 PM
Creative way of describing a snowstorm!
Sambourne Avatar
January 11, 2023 at 9:49 PM
Thank you, Juliet, for your stop by + message. Sincerest regards, Brian
Agustin Avatar
January 9, 2023 at 1:44 AM
Congrats! Thanks for sharing this. Meanwhile, by God's grace, I greet you with the peace and joy from the Lord toward a prosperous New Year 2023 along this present: "the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 6:23 of the King James Bible). God bless you.
Sambourne Avatar
January 9, 2023 at 7:23 AM
Best wishes for a grand 2023 Beata. Thank you for your stop by + message of hope. Yours truly, Brian
Puddifoot Avatar
January 7, 2023 at 2:41 PM
an excellent piece rich in imagery, written in your signature style..did it not garner a win in the winter storm contest? i'm very surprised, but i see it's a winner in another contest, and rightly so!
Sambourne Avatar
January 7, 2023 at 3:29 PM
Thanks very much, Charlotte. My final stanza did not comply with contest rules (or so I believed) so I refrained from its entry. As always, much appreciative of your appraisal. Be well. Brian
Rodrigues Avatar
January 7, 2023 at 2:40 PM
Very nice, Brian!
Sambourne Avatar
January 7, 2023 at 3:27 PM
Thanks very much, Kim. I thought my last stanza did not comply with your contest guidelines so I did not submit it. However, your prompt was spot on to push our pens. Sincerest regards. Brian
Fowler Avatar
January 6, 2023 at 6:29 AM
Powerful an moving and I can visualize the scene vividly! Congratulations on your win Brian!
Sambourne Avatar
January 6, 2023 at 6:32 AM
Greetings Linda, Thanks very much for your positive, encouraging message. Our snow drifts are currently puddles. Tough on our toddlers with sleds. Be well. Sincerely, Brian
Wells Avatar
January 5, 2023 at 9:37 PM
"...inflates drifts like the arched back of a cat" Wow! A wonderful vivid image of the snow. This is a powerful poem full of evocative winter imagery. Well done!
Sambourne Avatar
January 5, 2023 at 10:24 PM
Greetings Thomas Thanks very much for your affirmative message. Surprisingly, we had a December snowstorm but climate warming has obliterated all. I hope all is well with you as you pen your fine verses in 2023. With best wishes for good days, Brian
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