March 2019 SOLC–Day 8
A huge thank you to Two Writing Teachers for all that they do to create an amazing community of writers and a safe, welcoming space to write, learn, share and grow.
http://www.twowritingteachers.org
One afternoon recently, bundled up in down, I took a late afternoon walk. My eye was caught by the weedy stems poking through the pale, stale snow. Though the fragile petals had long ago faded and dispersed, the architecture of the blossoms remained behind. In some spots these stalks are plentiful, like a winter garden–monochromatic, but beautiful in their spare lines. Singly or in smaller clusters, they are stark and simple, yet captivating. I find myself drawn to them, these vestiges of spring and summer, so valiant and resilient. They are merely echoes of their former vibrant selves, yet somehow they are triumphant.
These days everything feels like a metaphor for aging.
Nix the comfort zone 
The combination of your words and the images is captivating. Thank you
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Thank you. Taking photos often stimulates my writing. What catches my eye engages my brain 🙂
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Come March it’s hard for me to find beauty in snow – but it sure sounds like you found some! Enjoy the descriptions in this simple find.
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I wrote a rather depressing poem about March snow the other day. It’s hard to consistently see the beauty!
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You have a gift with words. Every single line in this played like music. Thank you for sharing the beauty you’ve found in winter! Just what we need in these awaiting-spring weeks.
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Thank you, Kelsey! The small changes leading toward spring are evident, but they do remain small!
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The beauty changes from its first blush, but now it celebrates resilience, strength, even patience. Different, but beautiful nonetheless. Thank you for noticing the beauty often overlooked.
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Like I noted, I’m seeing metaphors for aging everywhere! lol
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Such vivid description: the architecture of the branches remained behind. I look in the mirror and see my mother’s architecture there. I love this. Thank you.
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“I look in my mirror and see my mother’s architecture there.” That is a stunning line, Diane!
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I instantly thought of Rossetti’s “In the bleak midwinter,” Molly. Such beauty remains if only one takes a moment to look more closely through a writer or artist’s eye, as you always do. — Christie
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Thanks, Christie! Taking pictures definitely helps me find that beauty. I loved your post today and now you have me eager to visit vernal pools and “hunt” for frogs! What fun you must have with your Kinders!!
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I love the beauty in the “architecture” of what is left behind-trees without their leaves, flower stalks without their petals, etc. I ponder on those things frequently as I drive home from work among fields and woods. Thank you for sharing your lovely words and pictures!
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It’s one reason I don’t cut back my garden in the fall. I love the way the stalks and pods shape the winter scenery and the snow. Of course, I’m also procrastinating… 😉
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metaphors for aging…a consequence of our maturity I guess! Love your words and photos! That first photo is stunning!
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“maturity”–good word choice! 😉
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Taking those photos and then being reflective is a mentor I’ll carry along with me. Everything does seem like a metaphor for aging these days.
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It’s getting a bit old, right? lol
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This prose poem is stunning. I didn’t get to comment the other day, but I didn’t want to miss it, either, so here I am. So many wonderful lines packed into this slice – “the architecture of the blossoms” and “vestiges of spring and summer, so valiant and resilient.” Metaphors for aging, filled with beauty.
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Thanks, Amanda. I really appreciate your coming back to comment. That takes a lot of effort this month! I’ve got a backlog of blogs I still want to read. I don’t think my Inbox will ever recover 🙂
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