Wintertide Metaphor

Damn me. Of all your work this is my favourite, it's wounded and vulnerable, bound to the Earth, in gentle tongue. A superb, superb poem. X

Thank you, Poppy.  She is one poet I can really relate to.  xo

This is so beautiful

Thank you, Rachel. xo

Beautiful lines Ahvanti.


hugs,
buddhakitty.

Thank you, Kitts. xo

Aww thank you. xo

Firstly and Thirdly, CONGRATULATIONS on your 500th poem!  
 
Secondly, you did a marvelous job of taking her inspiration poem steps further beyond its theme of survival into acceptance and peace with what has been survived.  

That is truly returning H O M E to source without ever leaving where one is rooted.
 
📝❤

LOL! thank you! But, it's really not my 500th. I have 29 poems listed under three years of NaPo poems!  So you would really have to add 87 to the 500 for a more accurate count. xo

Thank you so much for all your support and love. xo

Oh, noooo! I need to write 87 more poems to catch up with you for realz ?!?

AGGGHHHhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh ... gah ... ack ... cough ... sputter ...

Well, you don't HAVE to! LOL!  You know I always nest my napo contributions under one post!

It slipped my mind, even after I reminded you of it recently LOL! And I do HAVE to! [nonsense] xo

Oh Lord! LOL! xo

Really excellent writing.

Thank you very much, Lozzamus.

In my ignorance, I freely admit I've never heard of Louise Gluck.  
 
As for your poem, I feel it leads the reader well to the deeper understanding. And it speaks to the feelings I've been in this season.  
 
A small treasure of truth, my friend.

She is one you should take the time to read, Joe. Her simplicity mimics Mary Oliver somewhat ( or vice-a-versa ); however, she was a bit more emotional in expression than Oliver.  

Thank you for the kind words and support.

I've started reading some of Louise Glucks poems, and they are each their own riddle, I find, but then, maybe I'm looking too deep into the imagery for something that is very simple.  I did read her bio, also to get a sense of her themes..

This tribute is really in the style of her poems from what I've read so far, I might try an easy one as a first attempt.  I get the impression she was born in spring, it seems to be a theme mentioned in her poems..

I think you will enjoy her, PR.  In her later years a certain confessional verse emerged focused on self, much like Plath and Sexton.  She already had an insight into loneliness, family relationships, divorce, and death.  She also had a special connection to nature and Greek/Roman Mythology that crept through her poetry that I particularly enjoyed.

Can't wait to see your offerings.

Well, what can I say. when I read this the first time the other day, I did not feel it.  Then today I read it again - and I feel it!  Such poems make me see how limited and stilted some of mine are.  Which is to say, a positive thing, because I take inspiration from such.

Perhaps you could use "Winter" and "Spring" through out, because the use of capitals, I feel, elevates the seasons to mystery or personification.  Depends on the poem, of course, but I think that it would work here, because you called it wintertide metaphor.

I liked the consonance of the three letters "c" in the second line, and also "breaking beyon" - and of course there are plenty of other consonances sprinkled throughout.

the "p" in the word sequence spring ... crisp ... propensity ... is rather lovely in the mouth.  or on the lips, to take the "p" thread.

and liked the link between "swallow" and "summer".

"layers of crusted shale to root forever" is just oooooh.


SeaCat

Thank you, SeaCat. I actually considered the personification of seasons; however, wasn't certain if I wanted to or not.  It's one of those that you let rest for a bit before you make your mind up. I do appreciate very much your observations, particularly the p sequence. I do love alliteration, consonance, and assonance in poetry. It tends to lend a lyrical effect when read aloud particularly.  

Glad you're feeling poetry again.  The rush of the holidays can exhaust some people to the point of feeling numb.

Starting with "How was I to know..." I was hooked from then.
This just sounds classical, as if you traveled from another time and bestowed us with this piece of beauty.

Thank you, Wally. I really connect with Gluck.  As much as Oliver as Bishop.    They speak my language. I appreciate your support always.

Well you raised the bar on this so now I have to brush up on Gluck.

Wally you will really enjoy her, I believe.  And I expect no less than a fantastic entry from you.

Ava.. wow ! The way you use your words and twist them into a visionary splendor ..
I am always amazed how you reach right into the readers mind and soul.  

obscured bones of treasure⁠—       
  dust and ash reflecting yourself;       
the prodigal child         
  having survived the world       
  returning home after all

Just so final and perfect!
Love Jackie  
Listed Malady ❤️

Thank you, Jackie!  ❤️

Winter reflects both the seasons and human nature, I believe.  And hopefully we all survive the cold until our Spring!

Thank you for your lovely words! ❤️

Justified depression? Only in the most artful way...

She was not as tough as Smith is to emulate!  But, yet, a somber return - the prodigal child.  Thank you, Jess. xo