the city sleeps wrapped
in gray dawns and dreaming
of snow, a different place
from what it was
this time last month,
last week. we pretend
the rain falls only
for the soft echoes
on bedroom rooftops, and i
am reminded
of how slippery
januaries can be,
their hunger
that seeps
through exhaust-
stained glass and
seeds my fingertips
with a dark need
for some sort of
acceptance
in warm flesh
or willing words.
Joanna Suzanne Lee 
You’ve captured the silt that is left by winter after the snow leaves, or the rains recede. You’ve also captured the silt that is left in our hearts for someone to stir up, sweeping clean our emotional winters. Love this, Joanna!
thanks so much, Joe. means a lot, from you. 🙂
Your poetry is excellent. Also love the photo. Really reminds me of some of the streets here in St. Louis or in surrounding small towns. The ending is perfect, the whole thing is something everyone has felt but you convey it in just the right words.
The deprivations of winter sharpen to deepest focus in January, and you capture the heartscape of it perfectly. Dark days, dark needs indeed.
thanks, Brendan. “heartscape.” i like that.
acceptance in warm flesh of willing words…january is an odd month…between christmas and valentines it is a cold month…and i wish we got some snow instead of the cold rain…smiles.
i’m with you on the wishing-for-snow front, brian. *smiles* and you’re right: between the end of the old year and valentine’s can be a long cold stretch…
wonderful moment insights of the colder and darker days and night of this months between the one the best seasons.
I love this!
thanks! 🙂
I really like your first two lines and your last six lines as well. A great contemplation on winter. Well done!
In far too many cities are “wrapped in gray dawns”. But it has nothing to do with the weather. The gray represents the lack of hope to rise above the current economic conditions that expands the bottom strata of society. And the lack of commitment by the government to stop the strangulation of an unbridled capitalism that is destroying the middle class and preventing people from elevating their economic well being.
yes, Carl. the coldness applies to so much more than the weather, especially these days.
the gloomy details flow like tears in this. Nice writing.
Damn! Somehow I lost track of you but after going through my old shit I found your comment and hence, you and BAM!
Knocked out by your work again and again…
Peace
hey stranger– so glad you came across me again– not least because it reminds me that i need to check you out too. i’m so terrible at keeping up with everyone. and now i’ve no excuse since we’re even friends according to facebook. expect a visit your (virtual) way soon. so great to hear from you!
I like your poems very much. I read the sample poem over at your book website. Also stunning. You have a strong voice and images. I love to read good poems.
The problem is that I can’t read white words on a black background for more than a few minutes at a time. It bothers my eyes so much….so I am in a bind. I would love to read more of your work (and will likely order your book of poems), but I can’t really read them here on your blog.
Thanks! twinkly
thanks for your honest feedback. i’d not thought before about the white on black being difficult to read… hmm.
Really like your ‘hand picked’ words. they fall together with gentle nudges and produce an avenue to wander and wonder. Great and also inspiring.
“how slippery Januaries can be” ..What a great phrase! Love the photo. Just right
Late to see this – I love this one. I love them all, but this is so smoothly communicated and it takes me to that other world. Bravo!