Know this was written NY's eve, or dated then. The shadows are cast on NY's eve, but then a new season arrives, new starts to begin, and life goes on on on and on.
I really love this Regis! Absolutely outstanding, a poem that will be around and be appreciated for years...did I say years? for generations Regis! Much enjoyed!!! May the Lord bless and prosper you!!!
Wow! This is amazing. The flow is great. There is much emotion and great imagery. It all comes together to create an affective, touching poem. It even feels as if you are standing in the background watching it all unfold.
I SEE THAT THIS WAS WRITTEN A FEW YEARS AGO. ISN'T IT GREAT TO BE ABLE TO THINK BACK AND SEE HOW FAR 'HE' HAS BROUGHT US?...IT IS A WONDERFUL BLESSING TO REALIZE...'THAT' WAS THEN...BUT...'THIS' IS NOW. THANKS FOR SHARING THIS WELL DONE WORK, REGIS AND GOD BLESS YOU AND YOURS. LOVE,
JOYCE * HIS INSPIRATIONS
Reviewed by Peter Schlosser (Reader)
Reviewed on August 26, 2009
Great imagery. I used to live in Buffalo, NY. Know these things well. That's why I moved to Southern California.
Hi Regis,
And it is almost this time of year again. Yikes. I've been reading and enjoying your poetry and had to stop and comment on this one. My favorite so far. :)
BTW - thanks for reading and commenting on my poems.
Dorlana
Reviewed by Mark Chevalier (Reader)
Reviewed on September 19, 2008
Ah yes, the dark days of winter. I myself have always enjoyed the season...even if I don't enjoy cleaning off the car and sidewalk.
Winter has a way of flattening one's joy. Almost everything vibrant and colorful lies beneath its cover, making us feel this way. There are times when it seems beautiful, though. A bittersweet poem, reflecting the season. Hugs:)
Sheila
Reviewed by Rafika Anderson (Reader)
Reviewed on December 27, 2007
Your poem perfectly reflects my mood--sullen, dismal, dark, full of gloom. I love the line "and yet another sunless daybreak..." Wow! Wonderful texture and color of winter's dreary nature captured in your work.
Yes, you draw the portrait of grey winter and its dulling of our energies. I loved this one. Sometimes I feel like the reluctant flurries.....
Have a great day,
SO on the same page...& a wet and dark and soggy one it is.
Getting ready to post a poem I call January Lurches Toward Spring. Get a chance, take a look. want to say more, but typing hurts.
GREAT POEM, REG' !!! 'Pea' <3
This sounds like my kinda sunless snowhole, Darlin. I'm another that needs Vitamin D BIG TIME, and direct from source at that... She kinda looks like me, too... with hair extensions... Sorry, humour is my sunshine substitute... Let's go find a sunbed... Us lonely snowflakes gotta stick together, you know. I JEST, I JEST! Soulful as ever, Regis. But the year hastens on apace... we Sunshine People live in hope... LOL K xx
Nice Reg...reminds me of a time I spent up in Tacoma Washington where it rained for many days upon end...a gloomy time when all you see is the dark and cloudy skies...
I loved the picture as well as the words. It brings back a feeling of mystery I had in my childhood winters in KY. I had a connection with the woods which I cannot understand, I could feel the presence of the seasons as if they were human if this makes sense. Thanks for the reminder.
Judy
Regis,
... a pleasure to read your tale of stark winter days and ways.
I enjoyed your use of alliteration and your rich descriptive images...all of which I find quite beautiful. I love winter and the darker and more dismal the day (weather wise)the more I enjoy it.
"this existence leaves an aching
in one’s spirit
a taste in one’s soul
like cold ashes of the dead"
..lovely! ...and captures so well the longing that winter arouses within! ...
i remember those days so well... "sullen lonely snowflakes..." good, the images construct a canvas we know and envision quickly
Reviewed by Butch Howard (Reader)
Reviewed on January 3, 2007
Regis, you have certainly captured to dreary cold damp darkness of Winter. The alliteration is fabulous and although this is a dark piece, it aknowledges that it is part of the season and implicitly shows that it will pass into brighter days. Well done!
~Butch
I loved your poem. I think of winter as a type of time travel. Everything seems to be frozen in time,like a common wood frog that freezes solid for the winter. Then life returns as soon as spring hits. Your poem was beautiful.
This is so different from your usual upbeat poetry -- I assure you, it's just as good, my friend. We all have different facets to ourselves, not all of them upbeat. I, too, share in your wish for winter to be gone!
Love,
CJ
Beams and brilliance of warm loving sunshine is sent to you Dear Regis!!
From Australia and from my heart to you!!
Happy New Year and the best of everything pour vous ...
Love, Suzie :-D
Quit makin' me shiver man! Spring is almost here. Global warming is gonna wipe out winter eventually anyway, according to Al Gore and George Bush. See... now it's turned into a 'political poem.' LOL -- Jeff
Reviewed by Miss Pandora (Reader)
Reviewed on January 2, 2007
Quelques fois c'est froid, n'est-ce pas Regis? Mais apres l'hiver il y a toujours le printemps...toujours mon ami. Profond mais super. Joyeuse bonne annee,...amour et paix, Panda :)x
somber...perhaps...winter can often be so...but I also see the beauty in this...for even dark, cold winter has its moments of beauty...and when the sun returns with spring, it is all that sweeter...excellent work here my friend.
these are the dim days of the season
the gloomy season of the year
the shadowy years of life
I agree with this one hundred per cent. Thanks for sharing Reg. Happy New Year to you dear brother, and those whom you love.
May the Lord Jesus bless you, and those whom you love, and be with you always, and at your side constantly. With much love in my heart, joy to the world, peace on earth, & ((((((((((MANY WONDERFUL SISTERLY HUGGGGSSSS)))))))))), your little sister, Barbie
"If I have to bethis girl in me, then I have the right to be."
I'm ready for some sunshine right now. We've been overcast or raining for almost a week. Winter, I love it and understand we need it but sometimes it's hard to take just like your poem says. excellent. Liz
Reviewed by Flying Fox Ted L Glines (Reader)
Reviewed on January 1, 2007
Ah, winter, both in season and in life, when the ruckus is done and the harvest is in, and we rest under a colder sun. This one has both season and soul. Nice work, Regis!
You see...this, to me....is very beautiful. Here we had sunshine days and days of rain. This gets to me after a while. Wanna trade places?
Love and Happy New Year!
Susan
Leland makes a good point dear Regis. I love the juxtapose between your beautiful write here and Victors call for Spring. Great image! New Years blessings to you Poet.
You captured the end of Christmas and the long winter spirits that turn hearts cold and souls dark so well in this write. Love the colouring and graphic that compliment this write so well.
Quiet a few years back, winter, in Edmonton after a long journey from Norway, a hotel rom, with utterly solitude looking through the window's glass sullen snowflakes falling on the frozen soil of Alberta. You couldn't describe better even if you were there.
Sometimes a poet writes without knowing the hearts that his word touches.
Those that do not know darkness cannot appreciate light.
Great poem.
Georg
By my count you've received, so far, fifty-three written responses to your very excellent poem. That should bring some sunshine into your poetic heart, and keep you warm for the duration of the cold season. If not, there's always ice fishing. LOL
Best regards, Reg.
Leland
Reviewed by Rebecca Burns (Reader)
Reviewed on January 1, 2007
Dismal indeed. Find some sun and stand in it as long as you can. Just that little bit each day (when we can find it) helps the winter blues.
Rebecca
Winter is a very dismal time of year. However, winter is a time of renewal. As poets we use this time to create an expand our imagery. Lovely poem Regis.
Reg, you have perfectly painted the way I feel some days from now until March roars in with its winds and color! However you seem to have hinted at a time of life also. Excellent write.
Living in a country where it is hot most of the year, it is hard to imagine that in some other parts of the world the weather is so cold and so gloomy. Thanks my friend, Regis for sharing this wonderful poem.
winter is oh so many times compared to the aged and it is mostly dark and dreary to which your imagery depicts in a gloriusly flowing way with much ryhthm beautifully written, I enjoyed reading your poem so much,,blessings..Cecil
Yet, out of death comes life. Out of gloom comes glorious color...the very things that appear lifeless pulse and crackle within the ice...crysallis' waiting to burst into bloom. Winter in all its gloom blankets the earth in a much needed sleep, so it can prepare for what is to come. A beautiful piece Reg. Happy New Year to you! Michelle
A Taste in ones soul, that will sure linger1
This write is Magical Reg~
Love your inspirations!
Happy New Year!
May your New Year bring you Peace, laughter and joy! filled with GREAT Health!
Love and HuGs,Sheee
Reviewed by J M (Reader)
Reviewed on December 31, 2006
You capture the solomness of the season and lonliness shadowing a strike of hope too you never disappoint me with your poetry Regis.
A Blessed new year 2007
Joselyn
Beautifully written, Reg...exposes the sadness we all feel at one time or another. Just remind yourself: salt makes sweetness all the better; drought makes rain all the more precious; dreary days makes us more appreciative of the sunshine. Now SMILE!! Feel the bright glow and warmth?
I love the opening stanza. Thank goodness I don't have to say that on the air. We've had a blah, stormy week here in Northwestern New Mexico. sp I can well imagine what it must be like up where you are. I used to get really depressed in Chicago in January to about March. But still, a beautiful poem about this time of year. What's neat is so many people have festivals of light at this time of year.
Reviewed by Ron (sketchman) Axelson (Reader)
Reviewed on December 31, 2006
I would get cabin fever for sure..
Great lines Regis..
Happy 2007 with less snow.
For me it matters not the brightness or dullness of the season. I make the most of any day, my focus on what I have to do, my joy on Jesus. In truth, when anyone asks me how I am, my standard response, is "Always great"! My suggestion is simply this, don't let circumstances control you, you control it. Having said that, here's wish you a wonderful New Year and much brightness for the future.
I read this as a parallel to the seasons and one's existense.
The sun hasn't shone here for a couple days so I can relate
to this poem. We all like to feel the warmth of the sun when
it's cold,damp and dreary. Exceptional emotional and exposing poem.
DWB
Excellent description of how Winter can drag one's spirit down (though, if I had that lovely maiden from your pic for company, I dare say it would be a lot less dreary.) But, seriously, I could feel the depression in those lines, so very well written. Go for a long walk in the woods...feel the unseen around you, Reg...may you have a wonderous and magical New Year,
Sounds like fun to me...I like cold and dismal at least for a short time...We got warmth, mid 50's, and wet, rain coming in tonight with of all things, Thunderstorms in January, LOL! I always look forward to seeing and reading of your life in the boonies of Canada...;) Ed & Rufuz (Happy New Year, kind sir)
Sad write my friend, but we all have those moments when we are a bit low and discouraged...I have, and as quickly as this mood comes, it goes and is replaced with joy, peace, love and sunshine again...I'm feeling a bit melencholy today myself the slow drizzle of rain has brought on a heavy layer of fog here in the mountains, makes me want to cook today, got a big crock pot of pintos or as we call them soup beans with ham left over from Christmas dinner simmering in it, fried potatoes, and cornbread that is enough to chase any blues away, add a cup of coffee to chase it all down and well, I'll stop now...anyway blessings for the upcoming year and many to come.
Blessings,
Joyce Bowling
This is such a sad poem, Regis, I cannot imagine my life ever seeming so dark and gloomy. I live in a place where the sun shines nearly all the time, though we just came out of a big snow storm that shut most things down for a couple of days, but today, it is beautiful; a thick blanket of white under warm and bright New Mexico sunshine. I hope that you will find that ray of light that lives within each of us so that you can get through the dark and dreery days with sunshine in your heart. Well written with strong images. May 2007 be a year of illumination of your spirit.
Take care,
Sherry
It's 4:21pm and I am just waking from a three hour siesta...I know the feeling...even here in Florida...it's dark, overcast and so humid, I can't breathe...about 80 degrees, as we speak...but dreary, like this "Dark Winter"
You captured the feel...Good job!
So, I guess I'll be bright-eyed and bushy-tailed for the big ball to fall now, and watch all the bright fireworks that light up my big screen...yup...just think bright thoughts! Happy, happy New Year, Reg~
Love and Peace~
Kimmy~
I know my son can identify with this. The lack of sunlight will take him into depression. In our area there is a mountain on both sides. The sunrise comes later and the sunset sooner. Right now the skies are gray. I tell my son, "cheer up. Things could get worse" He replies I cheered up, dad and sure enough things got worse. LOL
God bless and Happy New Year.
Lew
This is some dark thoughts my friend for the new year!
Where I live there is only sunshine
So I will send you the sun if you send me
Some snowflakes!!
I truly love the words you chose to describe
a very sad and lonely winter season!!
I hope the sun comes out soon in your state!
Wishing you A very Happy New Year!!..Morning Star
Hi Regis, dark and gloomy are the winter months if we let them be. I do see where this is coming from. I enjoy reading your writes. A new year is about to begin, hope it holds nothing but the best for you.
Happy New Year, Rose
YEP - dark, my friend, but guess what? It is only a three-month SEASON - a natural part of the doldrums and cycles of LIFE! IT IS ALWAYS FOLLOWED BY SPRING - REBIRTH!
Winter is only as powerful as we ALLOW it to be - "This too shall PASS!" It is our ATTITUDE that we can CONTROL - it is how we REACT to it, that is important.
You said: "like the cold ashes of the dead" -- On a more positive note, consider this:
As a hardheaded Irishman, I want to be CREMATED, and I want a WAKE - but at that wake, I want some of my ASHES to be secreted INTO ALL THE PEPPER SHAKERS! Q.E.D. "HOT ashes of the dead." So all partakers can promote my immortality! Only problem with my "sick" idea is that I haven't yet found a VOLUNTEER to do the "dirty work"!
ANY TAKERS??? PEACE! and HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL! TOM, THE MORBID!
Not without reason that sensible animals like badgers, hedgehogs and moles hibernate throughout this bleak season. Sounds like you wish we could do the same, Reg?
Hope the other side of this midnight sees the sun rise in your thoughts.
Your poem is quite dark indeed but at times the weather tends to have that effect on our moods. Nice to read your poetry again. I love that first verse. Whether we weary of the weather we still can enjoy winter. Happy New Year my friend.
Hmm! somber indeed, but beautifully written...
I know it is difficult when living in areas where winters are so long and seemingly mostly dreary... I am originally from Michigan.
Yet, through it all I can see beauty in winter...we don't get much snow here in Georgia but i love freshly fallen snow, ice laden barren winter trees, and the sparkle of it all when the sun peaks through. I believe in considering winter as a time for rest, reflection, and renewal...and oh the joy of blossoming in spring time.
Hey Reg, I too fall so easily victim to a lack of sunshine this time of year and today has no warmth or rays for cure...dismal outside and not a way to end a year and look forward to another.
This is a grand study in alliteration, my friend, hooking and jabbing with those *D* and *S* sounds as the darkness and ashes of the soul highlight yet invoke the "gloomy season" and "shadowy years"....
Cheer up sweet guy! Should I send you an ample dose of Southern Sunshine when it comes my way? I have a direct connection to the powers of the Man in the Moon! Soon...I hope...soon...
I can and do relate to your words, but they make me remember the happier memories of this yeaar and not so much the dark ones. Now smile for me, put the darkness aside, and welcome in the colors and warmth of the New Year!
sombre, yes, but overflowing with the feel..very well written!
Susan
Reviewed by Malcolm Watts (Reader)
Reviewed on December 31, 2006
Hi Regis. Yes, those grey days get on my nerves if they go on for more than a few days. You capture the mood well. All the best for the New Year. Malcolm
Early Works is an exhaustive compilation of the first decade of the poems and stories of Z.B.McClure. Included are family photos, rare personal photos, photos of 1st draft manuscripts of many of his early poems. Also some biography and memoir materia
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Love ya!
Jane
Much Love,
Margaret
Lena
JOYCE * HIS INSPIRATIONS
Images and poems - always superbly presented to us - thank you!!
Best regards,
Lance
And it is almost this time of year again. Yikes. I've been reading and enjoying your poetry and had to stop and comment on this one. My favorite so far. :)
BTW - thanks for reading and commenting on my poems.
Dorlana
Well captured.
Mark
Winter has a way of flattening one's joy. Almost everything vibrant and colorful lies beneath its cover, making us feel this way. There are times when it seems beautiful, though. A bittersweet poem, reflecting the season. Hugs:)
Sheila
Have a great day,
Chris
Helen
debra
Getting ready to post a poem I call January Lurches Toward Spring. Get a chance, take a look. want to say more, but typing hurts.
GREAT POEM, REG' !!! 'Pea' <3
nice work.....Art Sun...
Judy
my favorites. I need warmth and sunshine. :)
blessin's my friend, there is a lesson even in our individual darks. . .
cynth'ya
... a pleasure to read your tale of stark winter days and ways.
I enjoyed your use of alliteration and your rich descriptive images...all of which I find quite beautiful. I love winter and the darker and more dismal the day (weather wise)the more I enjoy it.
"this existence leaves an aching
in one’s spirit
a taste in one’s soul
like cold ashes of the dead"
..lovely! ...and captures so well the longing that winter arouses within! ...
..enjoyed..
..jeanne..
~Butch
Love,
CJ
> dismal dull dawn becomes dreary dusk
then darkness
quite the alliterative synopsis! Says it all, in a memorably quoteworthy way.
Helga (here in Southern Ontario we wait for winter...the only sign is the shorter daylight)
From Australia and from my heart to you!!
Happy New Year and the best of everything pour vous ...
Love, Suzie :-D
(((HUGS))) and love, Karla.
better get some heat under them blankets
best wishes to you 2007!!
these are the dim days of the season
the gloomy season of the year
the shadowy years of life
I agree with this one hundred per cent. Thanks for sharing Reg. Happy New Year to you dear brother, and those whom you love.
May the Lord Jesus bless you, and those whom you love, and be with you always, and at your side constantly. With much love in my heart, joy to the world, peace on earth, & ((((((((((MANY WONDERFUL SISTERLY HUGGGGSSSS)))))))))), your little sister, Barbie
"If I have to bethis girl in me, then I have the right to be."
Ted
Love and Happy New Year!
Susan
Myrna
Richard Lloyd Cederberg
Fee
Sometimes a poet writes without knowing the hearts that his word touches.
Those that do not know darkness cannot appreciate light.
Great poem.
Georg
thank you for sharing it.
steve
Best regards, Reg.
Leland
Rebecca
Happy New Year!
~hugs~
Karen
Peace. Joyce
maybe the dark dreary days
will now shine with the new year.
Happy New Year
William
Happy New Year, Regis!!!!!
Lots of love,
Sandie Angel :o)
This write is Magical Reg~
Love your inspirations!
Happy New Year!
May your New Year bring you Peace, laughter and joy! filled with GREAT Health!
Love and HuGs,Sheee
A Blessed new year 2007
Joselyn
You Jus Gotta Find Sum Thins 2 Pre Ocu-Pie Ur Mind...
TRASK
Happy, Happy to you and yours!!
Micke
Great lines Regis..
Happy 2007 with less snow.
Well done.
God Bless
LOL
Lena
The sun hasn't shone here for a couple days so I can relate
to this poem. We all like to feel the warmth of the sun when
it's cold,damp and dreary. Exceptional emotional and exposing poem.
DWB
Jim
Blessings,
Joyce Bowling
Carmen
Take care,
Sherry
You captured the feel...Good job!
So, I guess I'll be bright-eyed and bushy-tailed for the big ball to fall now, and watch all the bright fireworks that light up my big screen...yup...just think bright thoughts! Happy, happy New Year, Reg~
Love and Peace~
Kimmy~
"Dark Winter"
Regis I enjoyed reading this emotional write.
Wonderful, thank you.
Have a wonderful New Year,
From the Heart of an Artist Quiet Storm
God bless and Happy New Year.
Lew
Where I live there is only sunshine
So I will send you the sun if you send me
Some snowflakes!!
I truly love the words you chose to describe
a very sad and lonely winter season!!
I hope the sun comes out soon in your state!
Wishing you A very Happy New Year!!..Morning Star
Here you are ...me sending you a little sunshine!!
Smoooooooooooocha!!
Happy New Year Dear One!!
Love TinkaSweets
Happy New Year, Regis...and it will be a great one.
Elizabeth
Happy New Year, Rose
YEP - dark, my friend, but guess what? It is only a three-month SEASON - a natural part of the doldrums and cycles of LIFE! IT IS ALWAYS FOLLOWED BY SPRING - REBIRTH!
Winter is only as powerful as we ALLOW it to be - "This too shall PASS!" It is our ATTITUDE that we can CONTROL - it is how we REACT to it, that is important.
You said: "like the cold ashes of the dead" -- On a more positive note, consider this:
As a hardheaded Irishman, I want to be CREMATED, and I want a WAKE - but at that wake, I want some of my ASHES to be secreted INTO ALL THE PEPPER SHAKERS! Q.E.D. "HOT ashes of the dead." So all partakers can promote my immortality! Only problem with my "sick" idea is that I haven't yet found a VOLUNTEER to do the "dirty work"!
ANY TAKERS??? PEACE! and HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL! TOM, THE MORBID!
Hope the other side of this midnight sees the sun rise in your thoughts.
Regards
Dai
Nice work. I like the pic. The good thing is that the new year has started. We're on our way and 007 should be interesting. Bon voyage.
Your poem is quite dark indeed but at times the weather tends to have that effect on our moods. Nice to read your poetry again. I love that first verse. Whether we weary of the weather we still can enjoy winter. Happy New Year my friend.
I know it is difficult when living in areas where winters are so long and seemingly mostly dreary... I am originally from Michigan.
Yet, through it all I can see beauty in winter...we don't get much snow here in Georgia but i love freshly fallen snow, ice laden barren winter trees, and the sparkle of it all when the sun peaks through. I believe in considering winter as a time for rest, reflection, and renewal...and oh the joy of blossoming in spring time.
ann
This is a grand study in alliteration, my friend, hooking and jabbing with those *D* and *S* sounds as the darkness and ashes of the soul highlight yet invoke the "gloomy season" and "shadowy years"....
Cheer up sweet guy! Should I send you an ample dose of Southern Sunshine when it comes my way? I have a direct connection to the powers of the Man in the Moon! Soon...I hope...soon...
I can and do relate to your words, but they make me remember the happier memories of this yeaar and not so much the dark ones. Now smile for me, put the darkness aside, and welcome in the colors and warmth of the New Year!
Love,
Taylor xo
Susan