When It Snows In August

by JaneDoeWrites   Aug 12, 2014


I can recall the frigid months
and the way the harsh wind
bit at my ears, reddening them;
I could return to all the senses
painted by the smell of the crisp
northern air, the texture of your
worn couch pressing woven lines
into the skin on my back, or perhaps
the broken anticipation of a kiss
I carried for months that clung
like a dew on my breath
until morning.

I can revive from memory the
wintry days spent admist your company,
rubbing my frosted hands together
near the mouth of a furnance that
was your heart- where the cold
tiptoed past us, careful not to be
seen and the fear of hypothermia
flocked south for the year.

He was a snowflake
with the most unusual patterning,
appearing from the white unannounced
where he lingered on my fingertips
for a moment or two before quickly
melting away.

I will always imagine
the sound of your voice accompanied by
the crunching of snow beneath my feet...
that winter wonderland I traveled hours through
to waste time away with you.

4


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Latest Comments

  • 10 years ago

    by Poet on the Piano

    Judging comment:

    A very nostalgic piece. Simply challenging the idea of it snowing in the middle of summer gives the reader a chance to imagine the unthinkable, and what else that may be beyond what we know as normal. I love how much balance you have in this piece, especially in remembering and cherishing the certain images you choose to recall. I can taste the fresh air and envision the trust you had in this person, from the closeness and the yearning to be with them each day. Beautiful wording. I also like the comparison of the mouth of the furnace to this person's heart. You have an eloquent though refreshing way of writing that you are trying to stay warm, and it's like the cold is unfamiliar to you both for awhile. The third stanza reminds me of the crafts we used to do in grade school of making snowflakes, and how each one had a different shape, displaying how unique we all are. This person graced your life in an unusual, unexpected way, and you can still feel their presence lingering. A cozy poem. I like how it is still remembrance in the last stanza, yet I feel you hold no regret, that you wouldn't trade that dedication and bond for anything... however this person exited your life, or even if you can't see them again until a certain time, you have this connection with winter because you know that time is spent with this person, and your soul can find warmth, shelter, rest. (7)

  • 10 years ago

    by Meena Krish

    Judging Comment:

    I read this poem again and again and each time it got me
    more involved with the writer's emotion. Each stanza
    holds memory, feelings and all the senses involved at that
    time which made it so vivid and alive. What stood out for me
    the most is the second stanza. I also like how love was weaved
    with season and in this case the cold winter, a simple snowflake.
    Beautifully penned...beautifully sad.

  • 10 years ago

    by Dancing Rivers

    Such stunning imagery,I love the metaphor of winter you've used and maintained throughout the poem :-)

  • 10 years ago

    by SnowdropsFall

    This is a beautiful poem

  • 10 years ago

    by cassie hughes

    Beautiful. I love the imagery you have used here. The idea of love as a snowflake is particularly good. Great write. :)