This is a piece of Flash Fiction for our church magazine, in response to the theme of Snow.
THIRTEEN WAYS OF LOOKING AT SNOW
by John Yeo
I see flurries of silent snowflakes
falling, drifting, settling,
A winter wonderland is created.
~
The snow hangs thickly
on the branches of bushes and trees.
Bending, almost breaking
beneath the weight.
~
Garden birds search hungrily
for hidden food under the icy blanket.
Snow covers and hides all.
~
Water is frozen, solid and hidden,
beneath the thick snowy blanket.
Thirsty birds and animals
lick snowflakes for moisture.
~
A snowflake is a thing of beauty
ice crystals that shine
with geometric splendour.
~
Children wrap warmly in scarves and gloves
to welcome the snow with joy.
Skating and sledging, to and fro
With whoops of sheer delight.
~
A snowman is built by children of all ages,
Mum and Dad and old Uncle Tom.
A carrot for a nose and an old battered hat
with a scarf around the neck.
~
In the snowy wastes, travel
over the glassy smooth surface is fast,
furious and exhilarating.
~
Visibility in a snowstorm is impaired,
the snow falling thickly, too dense to penetrate.
Snow blindness can result from the glare.
~
Housebound by thick snowy drifts
the old folk are trapped indoors,
many look out desperately for help.
Sleigh bells ring jubilantly as horses arrive
with a sledge,
laden with food and warm clothing.
~
Falling flakes add wonder to
the miracle of dazzling white snow.
A thick white carpet brings clean,
fresh magic everywhere.
~
Life is harsh as plants push through
the snowy white blanket.
When the snow stops falling
sunlight begins the thaw.
~
The world becomes a sea of slush
as the snow melts swiftly away.
Leaving behind a muddy, watery, dirty
sea of sludge.
Copyright © Written by John Yeo ~ All rights reserved.
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