Zero

ZERO

it’s so cold
where do outdoor animals go
to stay alive
two black crows caw cawing
from a tree top

sun’s out
you’d never know
it’s zero outside
cat wants out
but just one sniff…

zero outside
wind chill 10 below
so says weather man jack
thoughts of getting up
smothered in covers

it’s so cold outside
everything has turned blue
my face      my hands
buried
‘neath a blue comforter

10 below
this vet gone crazy –
“sniper guns down 6
2 dead      4 critical
at the weather bureau

Dave Austin

Copyright © | Year Posted 2015



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Date: 11/14/2015 8:43:00 AM
Hi Daver, :) Congratulations on having your poem featured on the soups Home Page. ~SKAT LOVE~
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Date: 11/10/2015 5:13:00 AM
That's an outstanding last stanza, so powerful. Knocks you right from your comfort zone. What a horrific event. Too many guns, just too many guns.
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Date: 11/9/2015 9:46:00 AM
Oh lord don't remind me , because where I live zero is coming lol
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Date: 3/22/2015 12:26:00 PM
I often wonder where they birds go when we hit -30 with wind chills at -40. Today we are at -10 and had snow the last couple of days. Had a week of above 0 so we got a little spoiled but back to winter jackets and boots. I feel for the poor animals when it is cold or for that matter when it is to hot. People and animals need to watch out for both variations.
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Austin Avatar
Daver Austin
Date: 3/24/2015 10:06:00 AM
We have a three-holer tower on the front porch we fill with straw for the strays. It was a terrible winter, but they all are healthy and fit. Love, daver
Date: 2/21/2015 6:46:00 PM
Dear Daver, animals adapt or die, too bad people are not always able to. Your last stanza makes us realize that. I hope everyone dealing with this freezing cold gets some relief soon. Great Tanka!
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Date: 2/19/2015 11:41:00 PM
Yes! It was 20 below here the last couple of days...with wind factor 35 below. We have a stay cat that comes around. I built him a fur lined hut, but he perfers to wonder off.Sometimes he is gone for days, but he always comes back for the feast I putt out for him. He is a real hardly creature and doesn't want to come in the house. Enjoyed your writing my friend. bfn Lanie
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Austin Avatar
Daver Austin
Date: 2/20/2015 9:12:00 AM
We keep stray cats on the front porch in a round three holer filled with straw. Hardy animals. Good to here from you. LOve, daver
Date: 2/17/2015 3:54:00 PM
Hey Daver, stopped by to visit and your deeply expressed poem made me want to put my coat back on. Such a vivid imagery and subtle darkness. Well done. Be Blessed, Neva
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Date: 2/14/2015 9:41:00 PM
What a powerful write dear poet friend of mine ! Wowzers ! I've got the zero thingy down, but like to know more about this nut with the gun....I guess I'll get unlazy and search the web...Awesome write sir! I'm gonna fave this ! Have a freeeeez...I mean great weekend Daver.....much love, james
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Date: 2/14/2015 7:26:00 AM
This is wonderful and sad. Dealing with extremes can make us do extreme things.
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Date: 2/14/2015 12:24:00 AM
Daver, glad I don't live anywhere zero below... dead, dead temperature.... :)Have yourself a sweet valentine's Day. ~SKAT LOVE~
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Date: 2/13/2015 7:23:00 PM
From hero to zero at the touch of a gun daver - great imagery I found the ending very sad:-( Hugs jan xx
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