This month our Inklings challenge came from Catherine Flynn. She invited us to write a poem beginning with either “This is January” or “January.” My thoughts immediately turned to John Updike’s poem “January” and it’s first stanza, which eloquently sums up what our days are like during a Maine winter:
The days are short,
The sun a spark,
Hung thin between
The dark and dark.
Inspired by this poem, I first tried writing some rhyming verses, but that fizzled out pretty quickly. Then, when I woke early on New Year’s Day, it was snowing. It was unexpected and oh, so lovely.
January
begins with the slow hush
of snowfall
dark skies brighten with
lacy flakes tracing
their earthbound migration
A peaceful gathering
©Molly Hogan
I’m hoping for many tranquil, peaceful moments for us all during this coming year.
Catherine is hosting the Poetry Friday Roundup this week at her blog, Reading to the Core, and you can read her response to the prompt there. If you want to see what the other Inklings did with this challenge, click on the links below.
Mary Lee @ A(nother) Year of Reading
Linda @A Word Edgewise
Margaret @Reflections on the Teche
Heidi @my juicy little universe
Nix the comfort zone 
Somehow you were able to capture the quiet of new snow…and I love that final line!
LikeLiked by 1 person
There’s not much that compares to the tranquility of an early morning snowfall–especially when you’re on vacation!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Snow on New Year’s Day captured in a soft poem! Thanks for sharing. We have warmth again, our typical winter and roller coaster temps. Your photos of birds are amazing on Facebook.
LikeLiked by 1 person
We so enjoyed our time in New Orleans even though the roller coaster was in the deep freeze when we were there! Also, it’s been such a delight to be home to see the birds.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I like thinking of snow as a “migration.” Here’s to peaceful moments!
LikeLiked by 1 person
That idea caught my fancy. I’m glad you liked it. Wishing you many peaceful moments during the coming year!
LikeLike
Ahhh – that slow hush of snowfall. Thanks, Molly!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy New Year, Rose!
LikeLike
Oh, Molly, love that Updike poem, too, and love yours, especially that gorgeous, “lacy flakes tracingtheir earthbound migration” Thank you for the peace and comfort I felt reading your poem and Happy New Year!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m so glad that sense of peace came through. Let’s hope it pervades the year! Happy New Year to you!
LikeLike
It was snowing here on New Year’s morning, too. I love those “lacy flakes” and their “earthbound migration.” Happy New Year!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love the snow, but I’m getting very tired of the consistent deep cold this winter. It’s so hard to enjoy any time outside. Still, it is beautiful!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is quite wonderful to have that hush that a snowfall brings, the “peaceful gathering”, at least most of the time. I do like the first one, too, Molly, brings a laugh at its truth! Happy New Year!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Updike definitely captures Maine winter! I do miss the light, but try to appreciate the cozy dark evenings.
LikeLike
I am waiting for the quiet of the new snow. That you for strong images.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy New Year, Jone!
LikeLike
Yes, I have migration on my mind, and stillness too. Lovely.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Heidi! With an Inklings gathering in the works, the New Year is looking bright! 🙂
LikeLike
Oh I love the slow hush of snowfall. We haven’t gotten any real snow yet. Can’t wait!
LikeLiked by 1 person
There’s always something magical in a snowfall. On Christmas Eve Day, we woke to a newly fallen 17 inches of snow! Wow! An early Christmas gift for sure. I hope you have some snow to brighten your winter!
LikeLike
This poem offers a peacefulness that I want to sink into — hot tea in hand, blanket at the ready, blissfully hushed moments.
LikeLike
I agree with Karen, it does offer peacefulness in so few words. There’s nothing I like better than a peace gathering of snowflakes outlining the branches of bush and tree in my yard.
LikeLike
Lovely, your poem, the snow falling and that wonderful stick-woven gate, it’s all magical and almost makes me like winter. Actually winter’s not so bad it’s the shoveling and ice I could leave. Thanks for sharing this “peaceful gathering” Molly!
LikeLike
Thank you for inviting us to this peaceful gathering. It’s beautiful…and I literally feel my shoulders drop as I watch a few seconds of snow. Someday, I want to grow up to be a snow cloud, migrating earthbound and landing just as gently.
LikeLike
Oh, that “slow hush!” May we keep that close in the tumultuous days that are surely, inevitably coming.
LikeLike