What is it about January
that warms my soul?
A wondrous calm,
a holy solitude,
a glow of anticipation
. . . of what?
What is it about January
that's so inviting?
Early morning coffee,
burrowed under a blanket,
a fireplace,
the bliss and ache of quiet.
What is it about January,
with countryside camouflaged
in nuances of grey and white,
flora and fauna at rest,
stark limbs silhouetted
against lingering leaden skies?
What is it about January,
its own contemplative retreat?
Even with a crimson flash of cardinals
and beauty of berries limned with snow,
there's a bittersweet longing.
A fundamental yearning for Heaven?
(2021 Joy Neal Kidney)
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Lovely. Thank you for sharing, Joy.
Beautiful Joy
You’re a poet, too! Lovely!!
In the early 2000s I tried my hand at it, knowing it would strengthen my writing. But after I became ill, I couldn’t write at all, and when I started getting better and realized that over a decade was lost, I was afraid that poetry was just another rabbit trail–and even gave my books about writing poetry away. But after connecting with Nicholas Dowd, whose “Meadowlark” poem introduces “Leora’s Letters,” and his compelling poems, I’ve bought copies of Kooser and Collins’ books–again. The title to this one has been rattling around in my head for weeks, and I feel another one starting. Fascinating, isn’t it! I’m also encouraging Nick Dowd to publish his delightful writing!
Good for you! It’s been a long time since I tried doing any serious poetry-writing and I’ve not studied the form since high school! I look forward to more of yours.
I am so glad to hear that you’re writing poetry!
Another phrase has been nudging me lately, so suppose it will begin to take shape. It’s an interesting process, isn’t it!
Yes, it is! I look forward to reading where the process takes you.
Love, love, love!
Absolutely love this poem! Beautiful! Happy New Year in this year when you have so much to celebrate!!! 🙂 I am so very happy for you!!!!
Bless you, Linda! You are so encouraging.
What a lovely poem- you paint a striking picture. You make me miss the cold January of the snowy midwest!
Oh, I like this poem very much!!
https://pacificparatrooper.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/animated-happy-new-year-hat-moving.gif
Thanks, GP!
This is wonderful, Joy! Solitude is healing.
January does invigorate us. New beginnings. Fresh start. Exciting ideas.
Then comes February. ;(
I will enjoy your poetry. 😉
Bless you for your encouragement!