The first of winter’s hands are shown,
the leaves under the hedge cease their
decay and are held crisp again, their
yellows and browns cold coated,
sparkle white for a time.
Smug vehicles leave tracks in the wake
of their passing, sullying the chill-air with
their sin, their poison breath billowing,
rolling and fading amongst the that
of the waking world;
Summer smiles have fallen too,
the wound bandaged by the scarves,
and turned up collars of sudden
strangers, fixed on their own path,
leaning forward to gain purchase.
The Holly bleeds an offering of dripping
red pearls, stark against its stiletto skin,
a portent, unknown to sloping schoolboys,
intent on a shared smoke;
the tip’s flare counting cancer odds.
There outside a shop, a pile of rags and
cardboard seep their last warm breath,
so very faint and quickly lost within
the steam of Latte and Mocha on the go.
And old bones will break on black squares
of slick pavement chessboards.
An impressive take on Winter’s Advance, Nigel. Those bleak northern streets warmed by the myriad of present-day coffee parlours conjures up a very contemporary vision for me.
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Thank you very much Roland much appreciated.
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Impressive, indeed, and perfect timing, Nige. Saw the first light dusting of snow this past weekend.
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Thank you very much Lynn
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Nigel, it is a treat to see a new poem by you. In its seeming clear statement on the
first show of frost it has many hidden depth. The bleakness shown everywhere, between
your words. Brilliant.
The summer smiles hidden by the scarves, eyes fixed on the path. The pile of rags and cardboard – the home for homeless. Latte and Mocha warming some. Stark opposites.
I only saw the beauty up this old road, bushes glittering like jewels in the morning sun.
So many opposites, so many fates.
Thank you Nigel
Miriam
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Thank you very much Miriam, you’ve hit the nail on the head. As beautiful as it can be, it is not so for most people and indeed something to dread for others,
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