in animals, fallow places, poems, words, writing 132 Words

the distance from the earth to the sun

 

Trees-in-the-snow
“Trees in the snow,” by Cara Walton Photography

within the hive
pollen-scented darkness
a hundred thousand wings
shimmer faint warmth
into cold limbs

outside, black against snow,
winter’s reaping—
a long low line
of corpses, piled
like fallen soldiers,
or victims of genocide

here in the south
we hear Yankee tales
of bodies in sheds,
kept frozen till the thaw
months later
while grief hangs suspended
in prismed ice

even death is subtle now
decay postponed
the rites of decomposition
put off, earth lean
for want of sacrifice,
morsel held just beyond
lips’ reach

snow is dry
sloughed flakes of quartz
shed snakeskin
drifting over frostbound roots,
catching the light
of a far off star

the distance of sun
from earth
is winter

 

5 thoughts on “the distance from the earth to the sun”

  3. I like the distance metaphor. It is an eerie transcription of the concept that distance from the sun equates the change of the seasons. My scientific mind, however, feels the need to point out it is the angle of the Earth’s axis in rotation that affects the temperature. Still, pedantic maundering aside, a lovely poetic phrasing.

  4. Thanks, kirizar. I’m thinking in part of “earth” with a little “e”–the soil that sunlight strikes. But also taking that darn poetic license. I appreciate you reading and responding–and being scientific. 🙂

  5. Swooning from here Bee. This is lovely. The frozen grief parts, wow. You totally gave words to something swimming around my head while walking past frozen deer carcasses still remaining on the side of the road from hunting season. Thank you for writing poems!!!!!

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