Trapped

Clouds thumb tack winter to the pine trees
outside my window taunting the amaryllis
that labor to birth spring on my windowsill.
Trapped in a framed snow print
I plunder
February’s calendar with a black pen
watching days
disappear beneath scratched ink stains.
It is insane to wish life away,
unrepentant waits for the thaw.

©Susie Clevenger 2015 

This poem was actually inspired by a photo Hedgewitch shared on her Facebook page of amaryllis sprouting on her window sill. Thanks so much for the inspiration.

Comments

Jazzbumpa said…
the first three lines are fabulous

i too am eager for the thaw

cheers
jzb
February 2, 2015 at 3:31 PM
brudberg said…
February seems to move too slow sometimes.. still with an Amaryllis on the windowsill why should we hurry?
February 2, 2015 at 3:31 PM
Maude Lynn said…
I really like this, Susie. Brilliant opening line. I can certainly relate.
February 2, 2015 at 3:44 PM
Sherry Blue Sky said…
"Clouds thumb tack winter to the pine trees". What a brilliant line. I can see the amaryllis struggling on the inside of the window to birth spring, while the background is all cold and white........hang in there, Susie, wont be long!
February 2, 2015 at 3:58 PM
Susan said…
Love the thumb tack clouds and the unremorseful wish for spring.
February 2, 2015 at 4:59 PM
Marian said…
February, the loooonnngest month.
February 2, 2015 at 5:45 PM
Grace said…
I can't wait for the thaw as we currently buried in snow ~ Good one Susie ~
February 2, 2015 at 7:31 PM
Jim said…
we really are trapped, Susie. After you wrot this Phil, the ground hog, saw his shadow. It scared him, he ran back into his hole to hide for six weeks more. I watched the little critters scamper back here in Houston also.
We've had the course.
..
February 2, 2015 at 11:36 PM
hedgewitch said…
Just passing through to give myself the pleasure of reading this one more time, Susie. Life is around us when we least expect it, and your piece shows the richness we find when we stop to examine and appreciate it.
February 3, 2015 at 7:43 AM
Magaly Guerrero said…
Winter better stop "taunting the amaryllis". I've heard they have fiery hearts...
February 3, 2015 at 7:49 AM
Kerridwen said…
Ooh, I love this! I too want February to be over and am aware that it's almost like wasting days.. But it's so cold! :)
February 3, 2015 at 3:29 PM
Outlawyer said…
I love this poem, Susie--saw it on FB, but it really does capture that edge of desperation that sometimes kicks in. I am actually looking forward to a little more winter, but that's because we've had lots of ice but little snow, and I like to go x-country skiing--still this has a wonderful vividness to it--really enjoyed. Thanks. k. (http://manicddaily.wordpress.com)
February 4, 2015 at 7:38 AM
Unknown said…
I'm sure that the snow will be thawing here pretty soon. I can't wait and I'm quite happy for when it does. Rather deal with mud than snow. This poem definitely made a wanting for the spring sooner than later. Thanks for sharing this with us Susie!
February 4, 2015 at 1:31 PM
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