Friday, January 15, 2016

Winter Poems by Karen O'Leary

Photography by Juan Tituana

Karen O'Leary's poetry community Whispers is remarkable for many things.  One of them happens to be its celebration of the winter season.  Perhaps one or two poets grumble about the cold, but most celebrate the beauty of this season.  Tonight I'd like to post some of Karen's own winter poetry, starting with her "Winter of Opportunity."

Winter of Opportunity
clean white,
refreshing snow
covers the past’s debris…
a season for new beginnings
and hope

Photography by Juan Tituana

Shattered Dreams
moon peeks
through a frosty pane--
the wind moans
used dixie cups
strewn on the counter--
empty days
divorce papers
among the clutter--
broken promises
wedding picture
slides into the trash--
one becomes two


Photography by Juan Tituana
Winter Art
White
crystal
winter gems
elegantly
cling to barren trees
dressing imperfections
in a long shimmering gown.
Art that twinkles in the moonlight,
beckoning nature’s viewers to pause
and share in the splendor before it melts.

Photography by Juan Tituana

Let's finish up with some music.  "Winter Wonderland" really is not a Christmas song...just a winter song.


I want to add a couple of songs by David Bowie.  The first is his "Letter to Hermione," a song that Robert Glasper has covered.


I haven't listened to Bowie's Blackstar yet, but I'd like to post his "Lazarus."

I'll finish with Hank Jones' "Little Girl Blue."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hwWC2r7EcY4


Just a reminder that the fall/winter contests continue until Jan. 30!

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25 comments:

  1. Jo BalistreriJanuary 15, 2016 at 7:29 PM

    Wonderful to see your poetry here, Karen. And the photography is lovely to go with it.
    You remind us to savor winter.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Karen O'LearyJanuary 15, 2016 at 9:19 PM

      Dear Mary Jo,

      What a joy you are! Encouragement is such a great gift. Thank you so much for your kind words.

      Blessings,
      Karen

      Delete
    2. Karen O'LearyJanuary 15, 2016 at 9:27 PM

      Dear Marianne,

      Thank you so much for this beautiful display of my poetry. I am honored and grateful to be published at your wonderful online journal. I wish you ongoing success in all your writing endeavors.

      Blessings,
      Karen

      Delete
  2. Ken Allan DronsfieldJanuary 15, 2016 at 10:10 PM

    Loved the Winter poems Karen! Great photography!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Karen O'LearyJanuary 17, 2016 at 5:21 PM

      Dear Ken,

      Thank you so much for your kind words. Marianne does a great job with her online journal. Best wishes to you with your writing.

      Blessings,
      Karen

      Delete
  3. Michael ToddJanuary 15, 2016 at 10:13 PM

    You have shared more of Karen's poetry hers on this page than she posts on her own site, in a quarter. For this, I am most grateful... I am a huge fan of her writing. It is compact. It is insightful. She is one of a scarce few writers who I both read aloud to myself, and often find myself nodding in approval.

    Thank you for publishing these lines. Here I was, dreading an oncoming cold snap, and now, I will not even mind if it snows... When someone from the Mississippi Delta makes that bold claim, you know he is smitten. Surely there is magic in the air (the good kind...)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Marianne SzlykJanuary 17, 2016 at 5:18 PM

      Thank you very much, Michael. Karen is such a positive person that it's no surprise that she can make the best of winter and encourage us to do so as well. :)

      Delete
    2. Karen O'LearyJanuary 17, 2016 at 5:25 PM

      Dear Michael,

      Thank you for taking the time to share your lovely thoughts. Coming from a writer I admire and consider a friend, it means a lot to me. Wow! I am humbled and honored.

      Blessings and best wishes,
      Karen

      Delete
    3. Karen O'LearyJanuary 17, 2016 at 5:29 PM

      Thank you so much, Marianne, for you kindness, encouragement and for publishing my poetry. Wishing you continued success with The song is...

      In gratitude,
      Karen

      Delete
  4. angeleeJanuary 15, 2016 at 10:25 PM

    Congratulations Karen,Thank you Marianne for a pleasant reading seeing listening experience,best always,angelee

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Karen O'LearyJanuary 17, 2016 at 5:27 PM

      Dear Angelee,

      Thank you for your kind thoughts. It is an honor to be published at Marianne's online journal. Blessings to both of you.

      Karen

      Delete
  5. Gert W. KnopJanuary 16, 2016 at 5:07 AM

    Lovely to read your poetry here, Karen! And I always appreciate poetry when combined with pictures! Well done!!!

    Love,
    Gert

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Karen O'LearyJanuary 17, 2016 at 5:31 PM

      Dear Gert,

      Thank you for your lovely words, my friend. Your encouragement means a lot to me. Best wishes!

      Blessings,
      Karen

      Delete
  6. John McDonaldJanuary 16, 2016 at 8:00 AM

    Enjoyed these

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Karen O'LearyJanuary 17, 2016 at 5:32 PM

      Thank you, John. Wishing you joy in your writing journey!

      Blessings,
      Karen

      Delete
  7. pdfrenchJanuary 16, 2016 at 8:34 AM

    Enjoyed your work Karen, lovely post and great pictures!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Karen O'LearyJanuary 17, 2016 at 5:34 PM

      Dear Peggy,

      Thank you for your kind words and ongoing encouragement. Marianne did a beautiful job sharing my poetry with wonderful pictures. Glad you enjoyed them.

      Blessings,
      Karen

      Delete
  8. UnknownJanuary 16, 2016 at 11:30 AM

    Hi Karen,
    How beautiful are your poems to celebrate the wonder of winter.
    The gorgeous photos enhanced and complimented them.
    I loved reading them. Im living them for real, it is do cold here,
    Love,
    Yvonne

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Karen O'LearyJanuary 17, 2016 at 5:36 PM

      Dear Yvonne,

      Thank you for these lovely thoughts, my friend. Yes, the photos Marianne chose really enhance the poems. You are such a light in life.

      Many blessings,
      Karen

      Delete
  9. ritamarie recineJanuary 16, 2016 at 2:09 PM

    absolutely beautiful poem karen..you have captured the beauty and essence of winter, the seasons change as do we.....karen magnificent... your poem is a gem as is the poet who has written it... a crystal piece karen, so clear..
    rita marie recine
    cheers

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Karen O'LearyJanuary 17, 2016 at 5:37 PM

      Dear Ritamarie,

      Thank you so much for the lovely comments. I appreciate the time you took to share them with me.

      Blessings,
      Karen

      Delete
  10. Lotus2009January 17, 2016 at 12:08 PM

    Karen, your lovely poems remind us to appreciate the magic of winter in spite of the cold. Nature's beauty has much to offer in every season. "A season for new beginnings and hope". Your talent shines bright in these pieces Karen. Blessings for the new year. Aloha, Connie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Karen O'LearyJanuary 17, 2016 at 5:39 PM

      Dear Connie,

      You are a gem. Thank you so much for beautiful thoughts. Coming from a gifted writer and friend, they mean a lot to me. Thank you so much.

      Blessings,
      Karen

      Delete
  11. Another Government EmployeeJanuary 17, 2016 at 7:07 PM

    "one becomes two..." Very stark image.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Karen O'LearyJanuary 18, 2016 at 1:32 PM

      Dear Christopher,

      Thank you for sharing your thoughts with me. What a joy it is to be published at The song is...

      Blessings,
      Karen

      Delete

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