Winter Stillness


Stillness in the snow,
pearl arraignment eastern sky…
paint brush from above.

Stillness in woodland,
snowbirds climb tiered tree branches,
wind whispers winter’s thaw.

Stillness in dawn sky,
dollops of snow on tall pines;
winter covers earth.

A haiku winter poem for earthweal open link weekend #53

P.L. Wolf, poet & author of Jemi’s Noble Quest

“She is not afraid of snow for her household,

For all her household is clothed with scarlet.”

Psalm 31:21

“But no matter how low the mercury dips, or how deep the snow cover, you’ll find winter birds of Wisconsin going about their business. Small flocks of black-capped chickadees search for food, foraging for seed and suet. They often join nuthatches, cardinals, downy woodpeckers, and others at backyard feeders.”

birdwatchersdigest.com

“Wisconsin average snowfall ranges from about 40 inches in the south to as much as 160 inches along the shores of Lake Superior. On average, about 35 to 40 winterweather events hit Wisconsin each winter.”

Wisconsindot.gov

Shine on Me

Sun, mischievous child

plays hide and seek beneath clouds;

on slanted slate sky,

wintertide weather’s barrage

upsets one’s visage… come shine!

“The tanka is a thirty-one-syllable poem, traditionally written in a single unbroken line. A form of waka, Japanese song or verse, tanka translates as “short song,” and is better known in its five-line, 5/7/5/7/7 syllable count form.”

Poets.org

“Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that’s related to changes in seasons — SAD begins and ends at about the same times every year. If you’re like most people with SAD, your symptoms start in the fall and continue into the winter months, sapping your energy and making you feel moody. Less often, SAD causes depression in the spring or early summer.”

Mayo Clinic

“A quick look at the medical literature reveals that it is still unclear what causes SAD, but most experts believe it might be caused by a drop in serotonin, a brain chemical affecting mood. Reduced sun exposure can cause a drop in serotonin that might trigger depression. The change in seasons can also disrupt the balance of the natural hormone, melatonin, which hormone plays a role in sleep patterns and mood.”

Pharmacy Times


SAD = Smile And Dance

I first encountered SAD four decades ago. The first twenty years I changed light bulbs and dealt with the condition. As time has passed, there has become more of an awareness of the “lack of sun” syndrome. Along with the awareness, there are countless ways to handle the challenge.

I would assume it can be different for everyone, the effects of SAD or how to handle the situation.

About a decade ago, I started spending more time outside during our limited winter, sunny days in Wisconsin. Next, I added supplements to my diet to help increase a balance in hormones. I also purchased a dry sauna. This added light therapy and warmth. Like 130 degrees of heat on subzero days. All of this has been helpful.

Is SAD real? It’s as real as PMS, which in my early years I was told was none existent, and now it has been accepted. What else can one do in dealing with SAD? Smile and dance (SAD) knowing spring will come again!

“From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the LORD’S name is to be praised.”

Psalm113:3

I Am Wolf

I am the grey wolf,
who hunts and still is hunted,
hear my lonely howl!


I often think of the behavior of animals in the wild and what a gift they are to us. I know their instinct is for survival. Therefore their behavior can appear aggressive. In ways they react the same way we do. When hungry they eat. When their young are threatened they protect. When tired they find shelter to sleep. As for their emotions, we can only project our understanding of the great beasts created in our care.

A lone wolf howls to attract the attention of his pack, while communal howls may send territorial messages from one pack to another. Some howls are confrontational. Much like barking domestic dogs, wolves may simply begin howling because a nearby wolf has already begun.

National Geographic

“But now ask the beasts, and they will teach you; And the birds of the air, and they will tell you; Or speak to the earth, and it will teach you; And the fish of the sea will explain to you. Who among all these does not know; That the hand of the Lord has done this, In whose hand is the life of every living thing, And the breath of all mankind? Job 12:7-10

The wolf is built for travel. Its long legs, large feet, and deep but narrow chest suit it well for life on the move. Keen senses, large canine teeth, powerful jaws, and the ability to pursue prey at 60 km (37 miles) per hour equip the wolf well for a predatory way of life

Britannica
My response to earthweal weekly challenge: Gifts

Jemi’s Noble Quest (Kindle e-book sale)

Kindle Countdown Sale January 9 – January 16

Little is known about The Intertestamental Period, the long years between the Old Testament and New Testament, when God was quiet toward man. Four hundred years slipped by slowly and still no word from God. The Israelites continued their daily routines, often forgetting about the God who brought them out of bondage. Jemi is a young female who is living during this time. Her adventurous spirit can be overwhelming to those around her and even to herself. Jemi is hidden in the busy fishing village of Dor located along the Great Sea. Day in and day out, she keeps busy with woman’s laborious work. But Jemi yearns for more out of her life. For years during her childhood, she listened to the great stories of Job’s sorrowful but rewarding life. Jemi spends her days dreaming of ancient creatures; Behemoth with his bronze stature and Leviathan from the depths of the sea. She is ready for a journey. However, Jemi will experience things unbelievable along the way of her noble quest. During Jemi’s adventures her character qualities of strength, stamina and spirituality will emerge. The wonderful transformation could only come from a higher source, God. Time and time again, Jemi will struggle and fail. Yet in the end, her heart is drawn to the memories of an ancestor who showed fortitude in the most extreme circumstances. Come meet Jemi as she travels back in time. Weep and cry with her as she discovers her inner spiritual abilities which are available as she trusts God. Jemi’s noble quest will not easily be forgotten, as this young woman seeks the meaning to her life.

About a 50% savings on Amazon (regular $9.99, sale $4.99)

Comments from my readers:

Well written

It kept my interest

I can’t wait for the sequel

For ages 13 and up

It’s a really good book

Thank you all for your encouragement. Book two is well on its way. New readers are always welcome!

Hushed

There’s a bit of a hush which settles in the corners and cracks of my house the days before Christmas. With the evening sky painted in tone of vibrant colors, the lingering smells of sweet spices and the sound of old carols I settle in for a long winter’s solstice. I really don’t recognize if days a lengthy or if time has stood still, since settling shadows play tricks near my hearth.

It’s the time of the year the world seems to love longer and give more. Even in the excitement of the Christmas season there is a quiet in my soul. A whisper at first draws my attention. Whether it’s a memory or a new treasure from the Word of God, I know not which catches my attention first.

Messiah has come… that is what the angel’s said on a quiet, still night not so different than tonight. I want to run like the shepherds did to see this great thing. I long to a announce, rejoice and fall to my knees in reverence to the King. Whisper of Messiah linger in this season. They touch the hearts of mankind as He has come to find the lost and save the sinner.

Wishing all a blessed Christmas…

“For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.” Luke 2:11-12

Barren Hills

The mood was not tranquil 

as camels journeyed barren

Earth across sands of time.

A low moan, as hooves sank

with each calculated step.

~

Dull was the night’s skyline 

except for the Star afar off

making long shadows stretch

silhouettes from day’s treks,

as royalty ranted atop roof.

~

Another moan… in child birth

tucked away in manage stall,

gave way to joyful moments;

the awaited Babe had come!

Bringing Light to man’s darkness.

~

The Earth even now cries out in

need of hope, as fear clutches

lives of men. Yet that Light

waits for journeyed men whose

shadows still surface in the sand.

“Man is like a breath;

His days are like a passing shadow.”

Psalm 144:4
Almost a first timer at this site. Thanks to kim881 whose post encouraged me. I couldn’t pass up the prompt at https://earthweal.com/2020/12/07/earthweal-weekly-challenge-advent-for-earth/

Sitting on the Fence

Note: If we examine the kindness God has revealed to us we can learn a lot. God, through His Son Jesus Christ’s sacrifice, is our example of supreme kindness. Often we are willing to comfort during crisis, but should it not be a continual effort?

Too often the holiday season brings stress. It’s not only the hectic pace, but unresolved problems in our relationships which cause frustration.

“ And be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.”

Ephesians 5:32

Let’s face it, it’s been a tough year for anyone on planet Earth. Please consider resolving differences, finding forgiveness and showing kindness to your loved ones.

Weathered wooden cross

Scarlet was His blood…

His sacrifice sets us free!

Indian Summer

Dusk settles as dust across earthen land,

as warmth seeps slowing from woodland

stretched before me like a downed comforter.

Come warmth, come and slip between

leaf’s edges, slide down empty limbs as

luminous sun grins across the autumn sky.

Indian Summer charms man’s inner soul,

tricks the body’s brisk well being;

but the mind knows this is November!

Breathe in the last of lingering warmth;

let it radiate, resonate, regurgitate before

the killing frost returns to blanket the earth.

“Lyric night of the lingering Indian summer, Shadowy fields that are scentless but full of singing. Never a bird, but the passionless chant of insects, Ceaseless, insistent. The grasshopper’s horn, and far off, high in the maples The wheel of a locust slowly grinding the silence, Under a moon waning and worn and broken, Tired with summer.” -Sarah Teasdale

Sara Teasdale (1884-1933) was an American Poet

The perfect weather of Indian summer lengthened and lingered, warm sunny days were followed by brisk nights with Halloween a presentiment in the air.” -Wallace Stegner

Wallace Stegner (1909 –1993) was an American novelist and historian

An Indian summer is a period of unseasonably warm, dry weather that sometimes occurs in autumn in temperate regions of the northern hemisphere September to November.

This year it has come rather late in Wisconsin. Most of the trees have shed their leaves, we have endured freezing temperatures and seen a dusting of snow.

October’s Final Dance

For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him.

Psalm 62:5

My soul is still
as late October’s
moon glows above

fingered bare branches.
My heart is chilled,
as Autumn clings

tightly to daylight.
My mind wanders
as darken cornfields

laden with shadows
twist, trembling their
fibrous dried stalks.

Leaves are pooled,
patched, puddled on
earthen ground.

Morning frost kisses
blades of grass, which
convert to brown.

Yet, hope comes from
chattering oaks dancing
in November’s sun.

My soul is still…

P. Wolf; author & poet

October’s Final Dance

My soul is still

as late October’s

sun glows above

fingered bare branches.

My heart is chilled

as Autumn clings

tightly to daylight.

My mind wanders…

as darken cornfields

twist, trembling their

fibrous dried stalks.

Yet, happiness comes

from chattering oaks

dancing in November.

“Let them praise His name with the dance;

Let them sing praises to Him with the timbrel and harp.”

Psalm 149:3

https://dversepoets.com/