I began to read this while thinking about the cold weather we've been having and how much it will cost to get my car out of the shop, and whether the weather forecast will include more snow and suddenly a warm wave of peace fell over me and washed those thoughts away. Thank you, Brian!
This poem, “Winter Songs” by Conor Kerr was recently on the poetry unbound podcast. I thought of you. So much hope in this. A reason to do the work you do.
Two coyotes. Full winter coats puffed out. Follow their morning run
through the back alleys and train tracks under generations of graffiti
and abandoned murals of 80s sports stars. The discarded shells of
burned-out and abandoned land-value-only buildings stand watch over
their paw prints left in snow not yet spoiled. Somewhere above, mag-
pies announce their arrival into the territory. Angels welcoming gods
of a city gone back to the land through trumpet fare, and the remnants
of an “O Canada” anthem playing on endless repeat from abandoned
stadiums.
Two coyotes walk back 150 years to a time before skyscrapers and
suburbs—man-made lakes, dams, bridges and power plants—and
dig up the bones of ancestors laid along the riverbanks. Watch them
rise up to dismantle the structures placed on top of quarter sections
that divided a country. They spool back barbed wire and let the bison
pound the houses into kindling for their winter fires. Marble legisla-
ture pillars crushed under the weight of an elk skull. A coyote’s god
You’re welcome! We need things for our heart that keep us able to act for and participate in the challenges this world has. I’m happy my writing is part of that for you.
"frame the entanglement of empty limbs frame the bare, tangled limbs
and newly risen sun and sunrise writing
writing on lined paper clouds " on lined paper clouds
We both know how incredibly personal poetry is to each of us and it's only because I like your poetry so much that I would even want to say anything. I love your stuff, as you know. Wes
Beautifully extracted and rendered experience. My favorite line?
"and every conception I have"
It just hits like a truck out of nowhere, a truck I'd like to be plastered to with a smile on my face as I savor fine art such as this.
Thanks Mike, I’m glad that line struck you. It was the punch line for me too...it came out of somewhere...🌟
The best moments!
Truth! Who is even writing this stuff?
A master with the pen ;)
A fine whimsically poetic comment on a fine poem.
I was going to say the same thing. I was enjoying chewing on the words and then suddenly
"and ever conception I have".
Bam. Wow.
You strung together the right words. I want to look out that window.
Thank you Stanley!
frame the entanglement of empty limbs
and newly risen sun
writing on lined paper clouds-
O such a wonderful image. I have that view for sunset. What a gift you have to craft words together and create such a deep thankful feeling.
Thanks! Sunset is my favorite...I hope some day to live in a home with a sunset window. For now, I’ll take what I’ve got 🙂
Absolutely gorgeous, Brian -
“newly risen sun
writing on lined paper clouds”
Oof. That’s real nice.
Thank you sir!
I began to read this while thinking about the cold weather we've been having and how much it will cost to get my car out of the shop, and whether the weather forecast will include more snow and suddenly a warm wave of peace fell over me and washed those thoughts away. Thank you, Brian!
You’re welcome, thanks for reading!
The dog curled by my side.
I’m writing about yet another tough environmental Supreme Court case. Your poem gave me pause to appreciate Pappy by my side.
Brian, thank you. Your writing is good for my heart.
This poem, “Winter Songs” by Conor Kerr was recently on the poetry unbound podcast. I thought of you. So much hope in this. A reason to do the work you do.
Two coyotes. Full winter coats puffed out. Follow their morning run
through the back alleys and train tracks under generations of graffiti
and abandoned murals of 80s sports stars. The discarded shells of
burned-out and abandoned land-value-only buildings stand watch over
their paw prints left in snow not yet spoiled. Somewhere above, mag-
pies announce their arrival into the territory. Angels welcoming gods
of a city gone back to the land through trumpet fare, and the remnants
of an “O Canada” anthem playing on endless repeat from abandoned
stadiums.
Two coyotes walk back 150 years to a time before skyscrapers and
suburbs—man-made lakes, dams, bridges and power plants—and
dig up the bones of ancestors laid along the riverbanks. Watch them
rise up to dismantle the structures placed on top of quarter sections
that divided a country. They spool back barbed wire and let the bison
pound the houses into kindling for their winter fires. Marble legisla-
ture pillars crushed under the weight of an elk skull. A coyote’s god
lives in bones.
https://onbeing.org/poetry/winter-songs/
Oh, Brian.
Just thank you.
You’re welcome! We need things for our heart that keep us able to act for and participate in the challenges this world has. I’m happy my writing is part of that for you.
"frame the entanglement of empty limbs frame the bare, tangled limbs
and newly risen sun and sunrise writing
writing on lined paper clouds " on lined paper clouds
We both know how incredibly personal poetry is to each of us and it's only because I like your poetry so much that I would even want to say anything. I love your stuff, as you know. Wes
Thanks for taking a close look at it! Love hearing a different take. It’s amazing how a few words and a comma can change a stanza…🌱
Isn't that the truth.
I like it. Open to suggestions?
Sure thing 😊
Nicely done, thank you for sharing your moment of framed awareness. I love the description
“lined paper clouds”!
Thank you Bette!
I love this, of course.
Thanks Jonathan😄
Captures the moment so magically, Brian.
It feels sparse, in a good way, like how these mornings can feel when all is quiet and that sun emerges with possibility.
"to frame the entanglement of empty limbs" was my favourite line, all until I snagged upon the incredible "and every conception I have".
Thanks Nathan!
Really nice imagery and photo - the topper for me is the last line though: "The dog curled by my side." Excellent.
Thank you! He witnessed the moment with me. I mean he was asleep. But he was there...😄
Beautiful morning poem... Golden Hour!
Just need some east coast ocean and I’m set!
It's been rather dismal in the north east of late. Sun next week...
“Writing on lined paper clouds” 🙌🏼
It’s a good one 💫, thanks Troy!
Loved the peace in these lines, "newly risen sun
writing on lined paper clouds"
Thank you 📄
Sometimes that morning light is just overwhelmingly beautiful. Nice poem.
Thank you Weston.