An Affinity (of sorts) with Winter OR World, Half Asleep

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/R._N._Taber

Some readers will recognize this poem as I once posted it over the Christmas period as one of my Poems for Christmas. However, I have decided to make several significant changes which I think makes the poem more perennial…like the Heath itself.

The editors of a delightful Hampstead Heath site that includes the original among other poems will be editing accordingly. ('Culture' button.)

http://www.hampsteadheath.net/heath-poetry-introduction.html

I am so fortunate to live within easy walking distance of Hampstead Heath. I love to stroll there in all weathers.  Conscious of walking in the footsteps of giants - Keats, Turner, Dickens…to name but a few - I feel similarly inspired. I cannot compare myself with their talents, but suspect I am filled with much the same sense of love and peace as they for communing with nature in all its shapes and forms. 

Photo: Hampstead Heath in winter

AN AFFINITY (OF SORTS) WITH WINTER or WORLD, HALF ASLEEP

One wintry day,

I strolled on Hampstead Heath,

snow almost ankle deep

in a world whose very life-force

fallen half asleep

A deafening silence

hurt my ears as I made my way

among trees like chandeliers,

ran a gamut of moon shadows

and winter’s tears

Apollo’s footprints

buried among kinder memories,

yet every now and then

I would chance to catch the eye

of a custom snowman

I had started out alone,

but not for long, friendly ghosts

of seasons past anxious

to keep me company, lend hope,

transcend worst fears

Redbreast, too, began

conjuring up images of a lasting

love, comfort, and peace;

songs composed by Earth Mother,

plagiarised by clerics

Mind and spirit so inspired,

every host body welcome to share

(no matter whose or where)

that holds this life’s finer dreams

close and dear

One wintry day

I strolled on Hampstead Heath,

snow almost calf deep

in a world posturing life balance

while half asleep

Copyright R. N. Taber 2013