Welcome all to our last TeachingAuthors post of 2021. I have to make this a quick post because, in addition to preparing to host family dinner on Christmas Eve, I'm having an infected tooth pulled on the "Eve of Christmas Eve." So I'm publishing this post ahead of schedule.
This year, I participated in my first Winter Poem Swap. I was paired with Linda Mitchell, who sent me a lovely trio of gifts in addition to her poem and a handmade note card.
Of course, the poem alone is gift enough, but I enjoyed receiving the accompanying gifts too, especially the mug celebrating Linda's home state. I didn't know before receiving it that Virginia and Illinois share the same state bird: the Northern Cardinal. I happen to have a special affinity for cardinals, so the mug is a perfect gift for me. I think I've used it every day since it arrived! I'll put the soap and lip balm to good use, too.
And here is the marvelous poem Linda sent:
I love how the title is incorporated into the poem. And the images are so wonderfully vivid, especially the winds pirouetting and bowing in the second stanza, and later, their tantrum. As an added touch, Linda's note card repeats the image of the mittens from the poem. How marvelous!
If you'd like to see the poems and gift I sent Linda, you can read her post here. Come Friday, don't forget to check out this week's Poetry Friday round up hosted by Buffy Silverman.
As the year draws to a close, I want to thank you, our blog readers, for following our blog. I wish you all joy, peace, and love during this holiday season and in the New Year.
Carmela
What a lovely, lovely poem, and such imagery!
ReplyDelete(And I hope for a quick healing!)
What a great idea to share or gift poems. Lovely!
ReplyDeleteI love how Linda's poem ends with the hope of crocuses and warmer weather!
ReplyDeleteAh, deflating all that wintry bluster! And the search for discount sweaters made me laugh. What a lovely poetry gift. Wishing you a joyful holiday.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous gift all around, Carmela! Linda hit the mark with the lines,
ReplyDelete"Winter winds tantrum
screaming from eaves..."
Yes, the winter weather reminds me of an insolent toddler. Thanks for sharing your bounty. Sending you healing vibes as well.:)
Thanks indeed for sharing this lovely swap. I love the connections you have made, and especially the lump of sun and the discount sweaters. I do like a good bargain!!! Thanks again, and many good wishes for days ahead.
ReplyDeleteSuch perfect gifts and chilly winter poem from Linda. I could feel those winds and loved the ending with the mention of the crocus and hope of spring.
ReplyDeleteLike Buffy & Karen those discount sweaters made me laugh... fabulous personification.
ReplyDeleteI hopped over to Linda's post of your poems and am gobsmacked at how well you write in form & meter ~both. Wow, Carmela! May your healing progress at light speed. 💕
I've been offline so just catching up. Thanks for all your comments and good wishes. Special thanks, April, for the feedback on my poems. That means a lot to me coming from you!
ReplyDelete