By Virginia Nygard
Vero Beach Branch
Across the barren snow-steeped ridge
skeleton trees appear dry and bare
yet seem to wake as I near the bridge
and my heart skips with childish fear.
They point my way and wail as one
in chill and windy voice
You, too, will pass like this one day.
You have no other choice.
Chilly imagery with chilling message, reminds me of Emily Dickinson’s “Because I Could Not Stop for Death.” Strong imagery and message of finality.
Besides the nice rhyme, the words are well chosen – I especially like W sound in the last stanza, and “snow-steeped ridge/ skeleton trees” is really good, too, – effective sounds. All adds up to a chilling and revelatory moment.
Trees in their bare and bleak phase may remind us of life’s inevitable passages but can spring be far behind?
Claire Massey
NLAPW Poetry Editor
Good use of imagery to tie in meaning, with impact.
VERY WELL DONE AND OH, SO TRUE.
THANKS FOR SHARING
I LOVE VERO BEACH. USED TO SPEND MY WINTERS THERE. GORGEOUS LIKE THIS POEM
Good build-up to last two lines, nice and not-overpowering rhyming.
Thought provoking .