Snow on Branches
Beyond the Storm
Today, after the storm,
wind bothers the branches
sending ghostly veils of snow
across the frozen forest.
Juncos have returned –
they chase each other
around the balcony
searching for sustenance
among the scattered seeds.
The sun sparkles on the snow
and dances on the rapid ripples
of the fast flowing stream.
A bright winter day
with all of the beauty
this season can bring.
Lainie Senechal
Along the Contoocook – January
January Snow
Snow arrives in the night,
descends swiftly down during
the frosty January day.
It defines barren branches
and settles in large, white puffs
on the sturdy evergreens.
Juncos appear below feeder,
scratch the small drifts
to seek needed morsels.
As shadows stretch across
the balcony, flakes finally fade
and the forest falls into
a dark and quiet repose.
Lainie Senechal
Moon Dream
Full Moon in December
The full moon’s soft light
drifts in and out of passing clouds
on this frosty winter’s night.
A few might release flakes
that sparkle like stars
in the bright lunar glow.
Lainie Senechal
Announcement: Lainie will exhibit artwork in a group exhibit at the Whiting Library in Chester, VT, during January and February. The opening reception is on Saturday, January 13 from 11:30am-1:30pm.
Winter Birds
March Nor’Easter
The blizzard brings heavy, wet snow
that nests in the empty boughs
and coats long, thin ends of branches
like thick braids of white hair.
The view disappears among
the intricate tangle of weighty limbs,
as birds, with feathers fluffed, flock to feeder.
A rush of wind and a thunderous crash
splinters an overburdened tree.
Lights go dim and power is lost
to the tumult of the storm.
Lainie Senechal
After the Storm
Monadnock’s mountaintop
wears a blanket of white,
while the river’s swift flow
conquers the cold.
Its dark water divides
a land now graced
with an ivory cloak.
Limbs coated with snow
bow low to the earth.
In the depths of winter,
from a series of storms,
the forest is transformed.
Lainie Senechal
Valentine Moon
Say It Isn’t Snow
Although the seeds of desire
for an early spring beginning
take life in warm February afternoons,
the season circles around
and nothing but clumps of snow
bloom on tips of bare stalks.
A look forward, a leap back,
such is the whim of
late winter’s fickle days.
Lainie Senechal
Blizzard
In the Midst
Sheets of snow,
hurried by harsh gales,
circle the house in white veils.
No sun appears today.
Time to hunker down
near the fire where
flames flicker and dance
beyond the beat
of winter’s steady drum.
Lainie Senechal
Ice Boat on Lake Attitash
January Mornings
Chilly January mornings continue
with no turn in the weather.
A ragged rim of thin ice
along the frozen lake shore
barely covers frosty pebbles
as a flutter of wings settle
on the winter feeder.
Lainie Senechal
First Snow in Angel Garden
Legacy
The snow, falling softly,
spreads a silent blanket
over the winter landscape.
However, it does not sooth
a heart heavy with grief.
Love cannot be contained -
defiantly crosses death’s boundary.
The words will remain,
insightful and strong.
The burden of remembrance
lighten by these verses
that trace his thoughts
and serve as a guide
to hold him among us
through the transit of time.
Lainie Senechal 1/7/2022
Amesbury’s beloved second Poet Laureate, Stephen Wagner, left us after a long and courageous struggle with cancer. His contribution to the community and culture of Amesbury will be greatly missed. My deepest condolences to his family.
Winter Bird Feeder
Snowstorm
The snow blows in from the sea -
creates fragile white blossoms
on the end of thin azalea branches
and erects ivory statues on objects
that remain in a winter yard.
The distant sun glints off
large mounds in the shiny coverlet
which now shrouds the land.
Lainie Senechal
Announcement: Lainie will have art and poetry in this virtual exhibition: KAJI ASO STUDIO presents An uplifting virtual presentation of Art, Music & Poetry inspired by the theme of SANCTUARY. Online Premiere: Sunday, February 28th at 7:00 p.m. EST. This event is FREE and open to the public. More info: administrator@kajiasostudio.
The Year of the Rabbit