Notes About The Poem

Zurich In Winter

A gust of icy air blasts 
the cold into my bones,
tugging at my knees with 
hollow, aspirating groans,

making numb my cheeks, 
whirling 'round my waist;
pulling at me thither-ward 
down cobbled streets in haste. 

Thick snowflakes lightly flurry 
soft upon my lashes,
squinting hard, I blink away 
the blinding, frozen ashes.

Presently, I chance upon 
a steepled, stony schloss,
whence I knew myself beyond 
the bounds of Hotzestrasse.

All around me, strangers rush 
to unfamiliar places;
swiftly stepping, spinning past 
with stern, impatient faces.

I sidle down a sleepy street, 
apart the harried crowd,
into the quiet entrance 
of a quaint café I bowed.

A corner cuckoo ticks away 
the time with listless ease,
whiling away the morning; 
an anxious spirit to appease.

Rich and steamy mochas 
warm away the frosty chill
of this melancholy trav'ler
reflecting on the wintry still.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2017

Poem

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Amadore Avatar
August 13, 2018 at 4:46 PM
Very nice! I enjoyed Zurich when there in the mid 1960's and would probably like it even more now, although I would definitely prefer warmer seasons......Your picture of the route to the coffee shop and your warming experience are quite vivid, and I look forward to reading more of your work.
Breidenthal Avatar
May 28, 2018 at 7:20 AM
Great poem..so in-depth and fantastically written. -JWE
Dietrich Avatar
September 25, 2017 at 8:15 PM
wow, you have such a way with imagery, Thvia. And Connie is right. GREAT atmosphere here. You are talented!
Marcum Wong Avatar
September 25, 2017 at 5:27 PM
I love the atmosphere of this poem Thvia. I have always wanted to visit this enchanting place. You bring it to life in this wonderful poem. Beautiful! : )
Guzzi Avatar
September 13, 2017 at 2:57 PM
A very fine effort my fav stanza #3 bringing the syllable count per line into balance would make it even stronger. Light & Love
Shetley Avatar
September 13, 2017 at 7:47 PM
Thank you Debbie. I don't feel like this is my best work but posted it because I felt it still effectively conveyed the atmosphere and my mood at the time. I'll be traveling again soon and hope to get more inspiration for future pieces.
Cresswell Avatar
September 13, 2017 at 10:56 AM
A beautifully written poem. Makes me want to go there except for the grumpy faces.
Shetley Avatar
September 13, 2017 at 7:49 PM
Thanks Patricia! They weren't grumpy as much as they were in a hurry and intent on where they were going. Once I got into the rhythm of the city, the people were far less intimidating.
One Avatar
September 13, 2017 at 6:59 AM
You really know how to paint a picture, the poems transports the reader. I have been to Zurich, I remember when i visited, it snowed and it was lovely...
Shetley Avatar
September 13, 2017 at 8:01 PM
It's certainly beautiful!
Anish Avatar
September 12, 2017 at 9:02 PM
Winter will have its say. When I went to Israel several years ago there was a blizzard. I posted a poem called "A Blizzard in Jerusalem". Your poem is so evocative it makes me feel chilly! Peace & Love Matthew Anish
Shetley Avatar
September 13, 2017 at 8:01 PM
Thank you Mathew. I looked for your poem and found a few with Jerusalem in the title but not one by that particular title. Could you send me a link to it, maybe? I went through all 5 pages of your work twice!
Michael Avatar
September 12, 2017 at 6:38 AM
Good morning Thvia... Better you than me...This sunny boy can't take the cold. I felt the rush, the blank faces, and the frosty places. Well, steamy mochas I can have any time...Enjoyed it...
Shetley Avatar
September 12, 2017 at 7:53 AM
I understand that completely because I can't take the heat. I'm one of those weird people who thrives in the cold, the colder the better. The sun makes me sick because I have lupus.
Mccall Avatar
September 11, 2017 at 11:10 PM
Hello Thvia what a beautiful poem. I was never in Zürich but I did spend two years in Bavaria. The cobblestone streets the little cafés that are Tucked away on sidestreets I certainly miss it. I could see some of those streets I walked when I was there in your poem. you portrayed some beautiful imagery thank you for sharing. :-)
Shetley Avatar
September 11, 2017 at 11:21 PM
I'll be in Bavaria in November and a few other places as well. Really looking forward to it. Thank you for your kind words!
Roper Avatar
September 11, 2017 at 3:34 PM
Exquisite poem, Thvia, ~`*
Shetley Avatar
September 11, 2017 at 3:43 PM
Thank you for taking the time to say so x
Carmack Avatar
September 11, 2017 at 12:16 PM
I like the imagery & flow of this poem. Welcome back Thvia.
Shetley Avatar
September 11, 2017 at 12:24 PM
Thank you Rob x
Smith Avatar
September 11, 2017 at 11:44 AM
A great poem Thvia enriched with some fantastic imagery. Zurich sounds so inviting.
Shetley Avatar
September 11, 2017 at 11:52 AM
Thank you for your kindness. Zurich was difficult for me at first but after a few days I got into the rhythm and ended up loving it.
Stars Avatar
September 11, 2017 at 11:43 AM
this is a really cool piece ... had some words I really wasn't sure about ... lol ... but hey ... you really have a great mind effect ... so this reader's mind is persuaded ... thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts ...
Shetley Avatar
September 11, 2017 at 11:52 AM
Thanks so much x
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