Each week on Tuesday Pen’n’Tonic will post  a word, a phrase, a picture, or an idea that will constitute a prompt from which to submit a poem, a flash fiction piece (not longer than 250 words), an original photograph, an original artwork, or a combination of these things that you think applies to the week’s theme.

 This week’s challenge is ~ Snow, snow and more snow. 

https://penntonic.wordpress.com/2015/02/17/creative-expressions-10-snow/

Image provided and credited by Pen’n’Tonic

THIRTEEN WAYS OF LOOKING AT SNOW

by John Yeo

1 ~ I see flurries of silent snowflakes

falling, drifting, settling,

A winter wonderland is created.

~

2 ~ The snow hangs thickly

on the branches of bushes and trees.

Bending, almost breaking

beneath the weight.

~

3 ~ Garden birds search hungrily

for hidden food under the icy blanket.

Snow covers and hides all.

~

4 ~ Water is frozen, solid and hidden,

beneath the thick snowy blanket.

Thirsty birds and animals

lick snowflakes for moisture.

~

5 ~ A snowflake is a thing of beauty

ice crystals that shine

with geometric splendour.

~

6 ~ Children wrap warmly in scarves and gloves

to welcome the snow with joy.

Skating and sledging, to and fro

With whoops of sheer delight

~

7 ~ A snowman is built by children of all ages,

Mum and Dad and old Uncle John.

A carrot for a nose and an old battered hat

with a scarf around the neck.

~

8 ~ In the snowy wastes, travel

over the glassy smooth surface is fast,

furious and exhilarating.

~

9 ~ Visibility in a snowstorm is impaired,

the snow falling thickly, too dense to penetrate.

Snow blindness can result from the glare.

~

10 ~ 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.

~

11 ~ Falling flakes add wonder to

the miracle of dazzling white snow.

A thick white carpet brings clean,

fresh magic everywhere.

~

12 ~ Life is harsh as plants push through

the snowy white blanket.

When the snow stops falling

sunlight begins the thaw.

~

13 ~ 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