Original Winter Poems
When I’m hanging out in snowy mountains, breathing that smells-like-winter air, I’m certain winter is my favorite season. (But honestly I might say the same thing about each of the four seasons.) Winter’s sensations – especially in the mountains – are unique and glorious. It’s a rugged season, one that tests our love of pine and stone
A hiking trip is my favorite kind of work trip. Dirt trails, high up in mountains, is where I do my best work. I’m lucky to share that work with you below.
Enjoy! (And let me know your favorite in the comments)
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1.
I’ve yet to survive a winter
by its end I’m always born anew
into some sun-drawn intellectual
I’m turned into a poet
always carrying a pen or two
2.
Soup in December
cooling but still hot
thoughts of melting mountains
we’ve entertained not
3.
I’m hiking up
a cold mountain ridge
I smell the pine of the season
and I close my eyes
for a moment
that cannot be described.
When I open them again
I am at my desk
and I see I left the window open.
4.
Winter tests our loyalty
our love of pine and stone
find a friend
who braves such weather
who smiles in such gusts
and you’ll never be alone
5.
Sleeping bag naps
high up trails
scrawled upon ancient stone
I wrote this poem during my first winter backpacking trip, in Great Smokey Mountains National Park. It was midday when I reached a shelter and I was so cold I couldn’t wait to get in my sleeping bag and stay in there. Getting out of the cold was wonderful, and I couldn’t wait to start again the next day.
6.
The celestial heartbeat
of a nostalgic winter’s evening
is man’s desire
to see his own breath
painted by dreams
spoken aloud
7.
In the shade
with the air shifting coldly
I am reminded it is December
but in the sun
pleasant grass-laying
shorts and sunglasses
is all I can remember
8.
I have fewer
friends
in the Winter.
They just can’t get into
being cold outside
long enough to hear
and smell
and taste
that eternal thing
that Winter’s heartbeat
with which an electric heater’s hum
can never compete.
9.
Black tea
with a liberal pour of oatmilk
is a dark December morn’s
songbird
10.
Sunset snowflake seasons
they come and go without much ease
the winter wind whips tonight
a blustery Virginia breeze
And there they dance
a unique and glorious shower
snowflakes running errands
late for evening’s finest hour.
11.
It’s the words
we don’t need to say
under the pines
and trickles of winter water
that are precious
12.
Hard times
are coming your way and mine
but my hard times
I hope
are too much snow
on the trail
and too few pictures
taken on my phone.
13.
One wretched
cold
crying
wish-I-stayed-home
evening in the mountains
is better than any alternative
14.
I resolve
(and that’s a resolution)
to spend a couple extra days
this year
not working
not hoping
not saving
just breathing deeply
somewhere green and brown
somewhere noble and old.
15.
Winter’s love
touched my snowy smile
I wanted nothing more
than her heart
her laugh
the only song for miles
16.
Wool socks
in the bottom
of my sleeping bag
17.
A New Year
and I’m still here
surrounded by hims and hers
people suffocated with affection
for fancy false furs.
I’d rather see the creatures alive
climbing and running and calling
I’d rather stumble up a mountain
and spend a night beneath stars, falling.
18.
Let your guide
be warm fires
and not just the fires you build
with wood
but the fires you ignite
with wonder
Winter is a time for rest and reflection, enjoying warm fires and thick blankets.
It’s also a time when I feel most inspired. Perhaps it is the sensations of the season: the snow and wind and cold, the pines and icicles, the thick jackets and warm gloves. Winter is a nostalgic season, and one of my favorites to explore and experience.
Thanks for reading my original winter-themed poems!
