Welcome to Poetry Friday, this week hosted by Tracey Kiff Judson Here. Thank you Tracey! I hope, Tracey, that you are feeling well after your bout with the Green Goblin, Covid.
What is Poetry Friday? Find out here.
This week a lovely package arrived from my Swap Partner Carol Varsalona. She very cleverly wrapped it in photos about Syracuse, where she used to live, years ago. I was excited to receive it and I opened it gently to save the wrapping.
Inside were two poems, that I transcribed below , as well as a small candle and a Holiday Card.
One poem my Carol celebrated Christmas.
Oh Christmas, You're the most wonderful Time of the year. A season of wonder and hope Joyfully, we adorn thee, Even with holiday hustle and bustle, You bring warm cuddles. Surround us with your guiding light, So we might honor your holy night. CVarsalona 2023
Another poem celebrated Syracuse winter snow, which she had experienced first hand, showcasing the snow.
SYRACUSE WINTER by Carol Varsalona 2023 In a dreamy landscape of powdered sugar, Show dances before dropping and settling. Each design enhances Earth's beauty Until blizzard-like winds swoop across like eagle wings. Snow dances before dropping and settling. Syracuse snow knows no boundaries Until blizzard-like winds swoop across like eagle wings Touches each home and pathway. Syracuse snow knows no boundaries, Free-floating to the rhythm of the wind Touching each home and pathway, As choreographed by winter. Free-floating to the rhythm of the wind, Snow playfully creates her own designs As choreographed by Winter In a dreamy landscape of powered sugar.
But it’s been a while since Carol lived in Syracuse. Her poem highlights the beauty of snow. Snow is beautiful and this week we got a foot. But the climate has changed slowly. So I wrote this as a response, with a little sadness, because it is comforting for seasons to be relatively predictable.
CLIMATE CHANGE IN SYRACUSE JANUARY 2024 Snow used to come early color everything white now winter is mild. Not frigid. Not wild. Snow thick and fast, a cold sparking treat I admire less often from my window seat. Mild storms after New Years, is lately the trend, probably less in the future no sign change will end. © Janice Scully 2024
This week I listened to Liz Cheney’s book OATH OF HONOR. It’s really fascinating and worth the time.
Have a great week! Thank you, Tracey, for hosting.