Wintering Time

It is the silence of the past

scattered in fragments

that lull wintry minds

to just be.

It is the hush of evening light

chased by chilled winds

that alter quiet paths

into sanctuaries of thought.

It is the magic of a fire

rising in reverent ways

that settles senses to rest

in winter's embrace.

Shall we find quiet in stilled shadows

where winter trees stand alone

or perhaps search for winter warmth

wrapped in time's blanket? 

©CV, 2022

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After Thought

Drippings from My Winter Mind

I cannot steal time

to discover my desires,

only listen to my quiescent mind

to achieve tranquility at rest.

©CV, 2022

I wrote the above poem during Laura Shovan's Annual February Poetry Project. I liked certain stanzas but upon review, I felt revisions were needed. After a night of being awakened several times by the howling wind, I felt inspired to continue to find the words to express what I felt about the topic of quiet. My revised poem addresses stanzas that needed massaging. 

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When Ruth Ayres sent an open invitation (no. 75: quiet) to share our stories, I took the opportunity to dive into the magic of winter's hush. Centering myself, I mulled over the Rumi quote sent by Ruth and vowed to listen to nature's pulsebeat. I am glad that I carved time this morning to listen to the howling wind to find beauty in its call.

"The quieter you become, the more you are able to hear." - Rumi

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Below is my poetry postcard for the February Poetry Postcard exchange organized and scheduled by Jone Rush MacCulloch. I sent this card out to the ten members in my poetry postcard exchange I would like to offer this digital card to all who read my blog post today. 

Thank you for joining me in this experience of wrapping my heart in quiet.

May you find the blessings of quietude as winter transitions.

❅❅❅❅❅❅❅❅❅ 

Thank you Ruth Ayres for the invitation

to SOS: Sharing Our Stories Magic in a Blog.

and

Thank you Laura Purdie Salas

for hosting Poetry Friday this week and inviting everyone to your Online Book Launch Party for your new book, We Belong.

Appreciate Snowfall Hush!

As the snow settles, I sit by the fire listening to the silence of winter hush. Trees dipped in snow-like crystals and candlelights aglow add a cozy ambiance to the indoor scene I created.  Looking outward through the dual fireplace, I revel in the beauty of fallen snow asleep in hiemal slumber. I search YouTube and find a soothing video, Winter Solace, that adds to the ambiance. Meditative music floats through the air as I read a thought to ponder: 

"It's time to appreciate the simple, yet profound beauty of a snowy landscape." 

I wonder and write, calling up my 2022 one little word, appreciate.

seasonal solace

powdered confection and frost

stilled apricity

feel the gentle warmth of sun

appreciate winter's peace

©CVarsalona, 2022

Have you thought about the soundless pattern of falling snow? May Novala Takemoto's beautiful quote, "Snow falling soundlessly in the middle of the night will always fill my heart with sweet clarity," bring you solace. 

My Slice of Life

for

Two Writing Teachers