Mama dear, it's cold outside
Won't some kind stranger
Let us in?

That house looks so warm
I bet there is a fire brewing
In the big stone fireplace

Tell me again
Why we don't have one of those
Why we don't even have a roof

How's my sister doing?
I hope that fever goes down
Sometime soon

You keep saying
We have all we need
But I don't understand
Why some have so much more

Mama, it's cold outside
I want a fire and a roof
A table with food on it

Mama, please
Let's ask those strangers
If we can come inside
Epic Myst©

The snow, a crystalline blanket of cold
glistens on and muffles the world with peace;
even the bird song so joyfully bold
in spring; with snow--- a brittle, tinny piece.
The solemn serenity of winter
looms over the land like a hoary tree,
its fingers a gripping, icy splinter
lodges itself in the land of the free.
Barren, leafless, solemn,. a second death
that marches in slow, stately procession
cannot completely quell the living breath
of hope, that lies beneath snow's depression.
Sun-sparkled, untarnished by the snow plow
silence sings of spring's glory to endow.
UncleJedd©

 The time has come again for the bell to sound.
 Gathering memories we begin to walk the ground.
 Remembrances of your undying love warms our cool skin
 As the crisp snowy air feels our hearts again.
 It seems like only yesterday you were just behind.
 Hoping for tomorrow as you stand there in our mind.
 With each thrust of seed scattered love is delivered.
 Reaching across horizons hoping you know, you're remembered.

 Glistening in the shadows as the geese begin to gather.
 Knowing where life would be, if only we had the rather.
 Children here that brighten your day, sometimes, yes they cry.
 "Tell us Mom" they say, "He didn't go away to die?"
 Holding close and hiding my own agonies  deep inside,
 Whispering softly, "Our father up above, he will decide."
 For now we keep routine and wish for a divine return.
 Then again, another bell sounds as we walk away and yearn.
Lovestar©

Keep Springtime in your heart
When birds away have flown
A few are left behind
Someone feeding them you will find

Hear Nature's lovely sounds
Feel the warmth of the Springtime
They are heard again in spirit
Through all Winter's rounds

Keep Springtime in your heart
Though it may seem long ago
Through falling snow and icy winds
Its warmth in you will glow.
Angel_In2thnite©

Grandmother, when will spring be here?
Soon, child, it's getting close, my dear.

Grandmother, where do birds go when it's cold?
To warmer places, or so I've been told.

Grandmother, when will the snow be gone?
Soon, child, it won't last for so long.

Grandmother, it's so nice out today!
Yes, child, it is warm, I must say.

Grandmother, are we heading back?
Yes, child, 'tis time to find a hack.

Grandmother, can we come out tomorrow,
Yes, child, if the sows do not farrow.

Grandmother, I love you so!
I love you too, child. Time to go!
Anjaleck©

Evening is nigh
in this sleepy seaport village
And as momma and I walk home,
the snow gently starts to fall.
Beautiful snowflakes
each perfect
each unique
And as the flakes grow larger,
with each passing moment....
They take on life like qualities
dancing on the November breezes....
singing to each other with voices unheard
playing tag with themselves........
Evening is nigh
in this sleepy seaport village
As momma and I walk home......
crple©

I see them- Sweet Angels that walk
They have come to feed the poor flock
The hungry birds stuck in this place
Whilst snow rages down on their sweet faces
The bright lights shine- though it is day
But the clouds of snow have denied suns way
They stand amidst the sweltering cold
The swirling forces so confusing and bold
And cast their bread out to the needy
Whilst they themselves are never greedy
They share in all seasons- their love is fair
For they can see the suffering there
And though the snow blinds the careless crowd
They will still be here casting hope around
They are a family and they show they share
So why can we not learn to join their prayer?
PoetsDreams©

'Twas a frosty winter morning
When all was icy blue
As the girls and I stood there
And waved good-bye to you

I shivered with a chill so deep
As I watched you walk away
Had I'd known it'd be the last time
I'd have found the words to say

How much that we do love you
And need you by our side
How much we want to hold you
But instead, at night we've cried

For things that shall not ever be
And for moments we'll not share
For times that can never happen
Because now you can't be there

Forever winter it shall be
Deep within my heart
Forever frozen is my love
Since the day you did depart
emmarie©

A mother with her babe in arms:
Her older daughter by her side.
A winter in Victorian times
Stirs thoughts in me that still abide.
The geese that forage on the steps
For any crumb amidst the snow,
Remind me of more recent times:
My childhood not so long ago.
The winters then were magical;
At Christmas snow would always fall.
And every neighbor was your friend:
No hatred in that world at all.
And we would walk for miles and miles:
The nip of winter in the air,
All wrapped up in scarves and gloves;
Unlike the naked trees, so bare.
Is it true, or state of mind:
The winters now don't seem the same?
Is there more hatred in the world
Than when those Christmas snowfalls came?
Or is it that our childhood is
The only time we feel that way?
That we, cocooned by family love
Are more protected day to day?
And only when we grow, it seems
Do we really know the hate and pain.
What a happy place this world would be
If childhood innocence could remain.
Peter Jones©

Hurry my children there is work to be done.
I'll show you a part of life that proves to be fun.

You have been greatly blest as you shall soon learn
Some folks in life can do nothing but yearn.

Across the street lives a lady who is so short of sight
It is all she can do to see a small shred of light.

We will take her some sweets, which she will so enjoy
Even though she can't tell if you are a girl or a boy.

This lovely woman never had children she could call her own
She is now all alone in the big house she calls home.

She loves when we visit, to just sit and talk
How she wishes so much she could go out and walk,

Through the garden she used to plant full of flowers
I'd see her joyfully tending them, even in showers.

Remember my children, you have a great gift
Of happiness, health, love and those to share it with.

There are others around us that have seen the best of life go
We now have a chance to share with them and to watch them glow.

Share what you have my sweet little ones
And it shall be return on hundred fold when your living is done.
Short Stuff©

Leaving a home that was so blue
Going somewhere to start anew
Taking nothing 'cept the clothes on their skin
Leaving.....not knowing where to begin

The love they once had is now lost
Starting over regardless of cost
Treacherous the steps covered with ice
Leaving a home once so nice

Emotions inside finally fade and cease
Finally feeling the enormous release
Release of the trouble in their past
Now looking for a new love to last

One child in arms others in tow
Looking for feelings of love to again grow
Memories remain instilled in the heart
And yet now a new life to start

One now filled with a love that's true
Forgetting moments that were so blue
Dreaming of life with a new found love
Guided by the One from above
mwm-44©

There are jobs up North..
We will have to hurry
Pack up your bags
Just take what you can carry

Hurried goodbyes
with promises to return
as soon as there's money
I’ll send for you honey

Huddled in the back
the truck keeps on moving
anxiety sets in
many fear new beginnings

The journey nonstop
through the heart of America
having left a land barren
now visions of green

Makers of steel
their final destination
 where physical their labor
under hot molten steel

Money is hoarded..
And the men bunk together
in order to save
and send for their treasures

Letters are written
declaring their love
nightly the ritual ...
Drinking and singing old songs

The autumn leaves
give way to the winter
a drastic change for
the man from old Mexico

Anxious the wait
for the love of his life
as a blanket of snow
falls gently to the ground

An angel from heaven
suddenly appears
not clothed for the weather
shivering from fear

He races to greet her
 holding her close
embracing their new dreams
on new fallen snow
Reina©
(Dedication to Papa Tony y Mama Luz)

She must be very lovely
Soft and supple, I suppose
Youthful goddess she must be
To steal your mind, to foreclose
Upon my husband's household
Singing siren songs she knows

Steadfast, we still watch for you
Since that day you said good-bye
When you left that spring tide morn
Your farewell did not imply
You would not be returning
From her whorish siren cry

Now we've composed our own song
Declaring we love you so
To clothe us through this winter
Preserving the home hearth glow
And we will stand here waiting
We three sirens in the snow
Weaver©

Mother tells her children
there's a better life out there
no need to be waking up all bruised
no more living in the black and blue.

Mother gathers all their things
and takes her children by the hand
they're going to turn their backs
on everything that made them sad.

Mother and her children
are finally walking away
never will they return or cry
to the memories that burn inside.
dawg_isblue©

Every day in the afternoon
I go out with mother
I bundled in my warm cocoon
she brings baby brother

No matter how the wind may blow
I dearly hate the jaunt
to see them waddle through the snow
to get the food they want

We daily take them corn and grain
and ne'er refuse them not
at Christmas time we'll meet again
put each within the pot

We'll boil them in the pot all day
to cook out all their grease
my time no longer will I pay
those hateful, wretched geese
Sir_Sun©

Step by step I push on through the snow
At home, in bed, I never thought I'd get so low
Now love has left me and my children are cold
My arms are growing weak and there's nowhere to go
Lifeless thoughts of defeat fill my mind
And troubles surround me on every side
Two little lives entrusted to me
Set their eyes skyward in search of relief
I have no answer I have nothing to give
On love alone will our hearts have to live
But the strongest love is one we possess
Protection and peace fills our emptiness
When I set my trust in Christ, I've no fear
For His promises tell me He's always near
Somehow through all this torture and pain
Love shines strong through the wind and the rain
I have hope...
_hedge1©

frigid north winds
filigree snowflakes
of late December
descend upon our sleepy town
the wintry white sky
cold
breathing upon me
blushing my cheeks
a crimson red
I'm reminded of the night
when we first met
it was at the Christmas dance
we danced and flirted
teased and intrigued
you were quite handsome
wearing the new suit
you said you had just purchased
and me dressed in my long flowing gown
complete with petticoat
and a bodice of snow white lace
you said reminded you
of the beauty of the season
you took me for a walk
neath the snow laden trees
kissed me for the first time
warmed the hearth of my heart
told me that you loved me
and that you would always be here
I believed you
my friend
my confidante
my lover
but where are you now?
as I stand alone
in winters' snow
with one child at my nipple
and another at my feet.
MjkFingrz©

caught in a swirl
climbing icy steps
like strands of
mothers pearls..
Frozen moments
captured in time..
little girls
fantasies
played out in
grown up minds..
Frozen thoughts
cold and bereft
can never reclaim
youth..
but treasure the memories
to build on what
is left...
Kristin©

Of strong character, she was,
with kind and open nature.
All who came to know her,
by her wisdom they were nurtured.

As a child, her life was difficult...
her parents both had died.
Yet, she had a loving heart
and very seldom cried.

She worked most hard to make her way
and loved to sing and dance.
She won the heart of a soldier boy
and thus she found romance.

They were not wed for very long
when duty came to call.
Forced to fight in so cruel a war
as anyone could recall.

Realized, were her worst fears
as a letter draped in black
delivered to a soldier's wife...
he'd not be coming back.

Time continued on for her
in spite of her heart's pain.
She wondered if a time would come
when she'd know love again.

Lost to time, is how they met,
this woman and this man;
but fall in love she did again
and promised him her hand.

Times were hard in post-war years...
they lived in a one-room shack.
It took them years to arrange a move
and they'd ne're be coming back.

Across the ocean wide and deep,
with their son of just four years.
Glad to go to a better life,
yet her eyes filled up with tears.

To leave her mother country
and all that she had known;
yet happiness and strength
were all from her, which shown.

She filled her life with nature's bounty,
flowers were her passion.
She tended well her ducks and geese
with tender heartfelt fashion.

Many friends graced her life
she was a pleasure to know.
The Lord was always by her side
she had an inner glow.
Linda2001©
(In Memory of my mother-in-law)

Papa's off to find more work.
It's been a difficult year.
The sparkling flakes of winter fall.
Soon Christmas will be here.

She bundles up her children
And puts aside her cares.
They'll trudge five miles through the snow
To sell their meager wares.

Her little girl runs up ahead,
Their pet goose at her heel.
Mama shudders just to think
He might be their next meal.

It's getting colder as they walk.
The baby starts to cry,
"Mama, why can't we go home?"
And this is her reply.

"Count the eggs in your basket, love.
We've been blessed you see.
We'll share our good fortune with those
Who aren't as lucky as we."

Yes times are hard but she'll see through,
This wife and loving mother.
Money is scarce, but love abounds.
They always have each other.
KathyK©

She awaits longingly , where might he be?
Dinner prepared , biding fire has been fed.
Seeking his return for his ladies three.
It is near time for the little one's bed.
Coldness surrounds them as warmth glows a heart.
Wishing to see him yet fearful of sight,
What the war may have done from very start.
She hides her feelings of such bundled fright.
A glimpse of a soldier in army dress,
Her tears hold warmth in the eyes of delight.
Excitement was there , should it be suppressed?
He looked weary but what an endearing sight.
The weather may be icy cold outside,
But the home fires burn with red passion pride.
gigi041©

Craving spring
We wander outdoors
The chill in the air
Ice below our toes
Mallards, geese gather
Seeking crumbs at our feet
The frigid weather
We won’t let it defeat

Gazing out over the pond
Vapor rises
As my toddler giggles
We speak of warmer days
Unbearable heat
The rope dangles lifeless
No one taking a dip

The chill reddens our cheeks
Yet the warm weather memories
Fires up our souls
We head back to our cozy home
As we pursue nourishment
Experiencing wholeness
As we welcome spring
MiNN1©

A while ago, days filled with sun,
then they came and took the only one,
whom with my life was meant to share,
my cries they heard, but did not care.

Frozen in time, a portrait three,
waiting for a future you see,
a time for your return, of dreams,
an eternity passes, or so it seems.

Strength from you I draw this day,
to carry on and make our way,
these dreams we hold, to see your face,
again to feel your warm embrace.

Message to tend on wings of a dove,
to deliver to you, my undying love,
for a spirit came this day for me,
came unknowingly and set me free.

So here we dwell not knowing why,
not wanting-- but feeling the need to cry,
yet-- we wait-- we hope-- to greet,
my life-- my love--- hopes not defeat.

Though far away, I know you hear,
reach out for me and dry this tear,
I'll wait for you until my death,
and love you-- my life's ending breath.
bisonam© & blushin©

A mother stands at the steps to her home
As her child feeds the geese
She wonders if her husband will ever come home
From the raging war in the Middle East
Left alone during these hard, cold times
The mother holds down the fort
Watching every penny, nickel and dime
For she has herself and her children to support
Light shines in the window, a symbol of her hope
Warmth in the midst of Winter's chill
Giving her the courage and energy to cope
But nothing could match the strength of her will
Shadow Whysper©

It came in the white haze of winter
Standing there next to her toddler
And the young babe in her arms
Passing bread crumbs to the ducks
That had long since forgotten
Their home under the southern sun.

The warmth of it clothed them
Standing on the steps of the path
That could take them to the house
Where the warmth of the fire
Shed heat throughout the home.

It came in a soft flurry breeze
Standing next to a sign with a bell
Designed by the hands of a man
That displayed his passion
For art in the simplest things.

As the white bird flew to greet them
It came to them all in a warm rush
Comparable only to the heat of love
It came to them all as they shared
The sweet essence of life.
Nightscribe©

How cheerful we were in finding this place
Where they freely show their loving grace
A friendly turn of hands packed with food
And to them our attention is quickly glued
Empty stomachs can no longer fight the chill
And hunger helps the cold dull what we feel
With weather not fit for either friend or fowl
We cant take to wing, just hear the wind howl
Feathers turn stiff with an early frost and snow
Instinct to fly south was late this year we know
So gratefully we except your loving hospitality
And for helping us defeat natures cruel brutality
Luckily from the grip of winter we find release
And honk with joy, it is the way, of we the geese
Bear1Mage©
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