Justin Bordner Poet Ode

Unwasted In Winter

Oh winter oh winter
I am the blood red timber
mobile in the ancient freeze
balanced amid the brutal breeze,
upon my face your artic breath stings
yet my unfrozen faith unfurls and sings,
fingertips and knuckles known to numb
though thy stride be nimble and plumb,
the soft low slate skies
thick around the limbs and eyes
prophecy a thermal urgency
drawn from spun soul agency, 
within leafless trees and patina omens
unhidden nests of sunken seasons
reflect a million years of farmsteads
city streets, withered wings and silent snowbeds,
in the clarity of your shocking sunshine
I celebrate Christ along spires of pine
and as the devils mock my feet
I pounce through the heavy sleet
knowing my heart will heat the ice,
oh winter oh winter, I am a fire fierce -

J.A.B.

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Alesia Leach May 31, 2025 at 5:13 PM Justin, this is a triumph--a hymn of resilience blazing against the cold. “I am the blood red timber”--what an arresting and powerful opening. Your voice in this ode doesn’t just endure winter--it claims it, dances through it, and sets it alight with purpose. The imagery of “leafless trees and patina omens” and “nests of sunken seasons” is exquisite. This is both a spiritual and elemental charge--fierce, fearless, and unforgettable. Justin Bordner June 1, 2025 at 4:11 PM Throughout my life I have had a special relationship with Winter Alesia. Brutal beauty...J.A.B.

Laura Breidenthal January 13, 2017 at 5:52 PM There is so much to embrace in the winter. "mobile in the ancient freeze" Is such a cool phrase, along with so many others in this poem. There's a certain fierceness and fogginess that comes over me at this time of year, but I feel we can learn so much about ourselves and find clarity in the coldest of times. I like the religious aspect to your work. Keep fighting against the storms, Justin. Love this one! Always, Laura Justin Bordner January 14, 2017 at 1:37 PM Yes my warm Poetess, there is much to embrace, and to be embraced by during the wild whims of winter. Winter, although often cold to our sensitivities provides an august affection to those who care to understand it's rough beauty. I find solace in your wise beauty...you are my glee in the storm Laura...Justin

Eileen Manassian December 28, 2016 at 5:14 AM You certainly are, Justin. Always were. Fire....fierce. Your poetry has always been that way. It always will. You have such a way. So good to read you again. May your heart always heat the ice that covers cold minds and hearts. Have a great New Year Justin Bordner December 28, 2016 at 6:28 PM Your heart blazes beautifully as well my Beloved Poetesss...Justin