The stale and sullen gloom
of wood smoke, damp
earth and bruised clouds
is still captive, clamped
beneath winter’s icy lid.
We wait impatiently for it to lift,
for the youthful year
to release spring
in a verdant cheer
and confetti of bright blooms.
Kim M. Russell, 13th January 2024
Image by Emme Kearns on Unsplash
For the first Quadrille of 2025 at the dVerse Poets Pub, De asks if we are ready for liftoff. Yes, we are writing 44-word poems including some form of the word ‘lift’. She has provided some words and poems to inspire us.
writing in north norfolk 
Love this, Kim. I am waiting, too. I read a piece yesterday about “wintering” – watching nature and taking its cues…resting, hibernating, waiting with anticipation. Your piece has solidified it for me. I am officially wintering. Send blankets. 😉
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Thank you, De.
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It is a long time still… but I long for the brightness of spring winter…. we had a bit of it during the weekend, but now it is back to greyness.
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Same here, Björn.
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“bruised clouds” – “winter’s icy lid” – and a “confetti of bright blooms”
These are all wonderful images….Loving this poem!
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Thank you, Lill!
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Oh this is absolutely stunning in its depth and use of imagery, Kim! I love; “winter’s icy lid.” ❤️❤️ I am waiting for Spring too!
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Thank you, Sanaa!
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You’re most welcome 😘
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winter’s icy lid is such a perfect term for it. Bring on the confetti soon, please!
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Thank you, Lisa. I’m sure the confetti is not too far off – we have green shoots of snowdrops and I’ve spotted buds on some of the trees.
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❤
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I know we need the moisture from the snow, but a little confetti now and then would lift my spirits!
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I refer confetti to fireworks, Nolcha!
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That’s very interesting, how it echoes the palidone format somewhat, however, that first stanza transcends words, just beautiful, then lifted in the 2nd.
Really though, that start…..gorgeous, every now and then poetry feels unbeatable..
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Poetry helps us to survive most things, especially the seasons.
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ah yes we are in the “youthful year” xhalking our hopes for January to December
much♡love
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Thank you, Gillena, and much love to you!
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“damp
earth and bruised clouds
is still captive, clamped
beneath winter’s icy lid.”
I love this and the last line.
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Thank you, Shawna.
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I cannot wait for winter’s lid to fly away. Love the second stanza – spring is my favorite season.
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Thank you, Grace.
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Yes, I am waiting impatiently for it to lift. To feel the softening of earth in spring. Today, it snowed and was windy on my mid-day walk. You have captured winter’s cold breath in so few words. Wonderfully.
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Thank you very much, Truedessa.
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Confetti of light blooms … just what we all are wishing and waiting for, Kim. Well done.
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I’m so pleased you like it, Dwight.
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Love “bruised clouds” and “winter’s icy lid”! You have voiced everyone’s longing, Kim.
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Thank you, Punam!
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My pleasure, Kim.
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Love this! “Verdant Cheer” is a wonderful description!
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Thank you, Susan!
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I smell the wood smoke and ache with bruised clouds, Kim. We know, eventually, the heavy lid of winter will lift!
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I’m glad my poem had that effect on you, Lynn.
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I might be the only one not anxious for spring to show up. I am settled by the fire, enjoying the snowy view through the window. Skis in the corner. Loving winter. Which doesn’t make the imagery of your poem any less beautiful.
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Thank you! I am averse to snow following an incident in childhood – and we don’t get much of it where I live in Norfolk. I do like sitting by a fire, knowing that I am safe inside, and snow does look rather lovely.
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Even though I live in FL and we don’t necessarily have 4 seasons like I am used to from up north, it has been cold enough that I am seriously so anxious waiting for Spring!
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Love this, Kim. That first stanza is rich with imagery.
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Thank you, Sara.
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That was absolutely beautiful, Kim!
Yvette M Calleiro 🙂
http://yvettemcalleiro.blogspot.com
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Thank you so much, Yvette.
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