Happy Poetry Friday!
The prompt this week from the Nevermores was to “write a colorful poem – inspired by a color, full of many colors, or simply containing color.” My thoughts immediately went to the cardinals I watch in the trees outside my writing space. Although we don’t have snow, I love the contrast of red on white that you see so often in photos of these colorful birds.
That got me thinking about other ways red bursts through winter white to make a statement. I also turned to an old mentor text If You Want to Find Golden by Eileen Spinelli and Stacey Schuett. This book takes the reader on a journey through a city from morning until night, highlighting many different colors. Spinelli speaks directly to the reader, encouraging the use of different senses to experience color. Although I chose not to write in second person, I tried to make red come alive with personification.
Winter Red
red winks through winter white
on rosy cheeks from winds that bite
from cardinals perched on willow’s branch
in early morning light
red beckons from the holly
on berries plump for picking
or yarn that’s wound for knitting
some jolly wooly mittens
red wraps fox in silky fur
paints the sky as dusk descends
promising next day’s delight
red whispers into night
Draft, 2023RoseCappelli
Janice has the roundup today at Salt Verse City where she offers thoughts on her holiday activities and a beautiful metaphor about democracy. Be sure to stop by for lots of poetry goodness.
Imagine the Possibilities 
Rose, I love this red poem that takes a peaceful, nature-filled turn toward the color, different from the angry side of red. This would be a wonderful mentor text for my students to write about a color. So many good word choices, “red wraps fox in silky fur” with the r sounds and the image of wraps, for one example.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Margaret. It would be an honor to have my poem used as a mentor text with your students – almost like still being in the classroom.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Delightful topic and word choices! A fun read aloud. Nice job, Rose 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Rose, this poem is magical! I love it top to bottom. (Reminds me of my ArtSpeak:RED year… so much fun to play with color in poetry!) xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Irene! As I reread my poem this morning I realized I was also most likely channeling Joyce Sidman’s Red Sings from Treetops. So much inspiration in this poetry community!
LikeLike
Yes! Winter red is the best red! And you captured the season in three small letters 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Red is busy – winking, wrapping and whispering! A fun red read, Rose! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Simply lovely Rose, so marvelous in your mouth while reading aloud, fills you up, many thanks! ☺️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful ‘answer’ to the prompt, Rose. I love that ‘red winks through winter white’ and the rhythm of your poem, too, just lovely to read aloud! I do love cardinals & miss them because they are not here in Colorado!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I had forgotten how many reds winter actually holds! I love your crimson collection, and I agree it is beautiful when set off against white.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Rose, you brightened today with your color choice. The first stanza brought me right into your poem. Red against white makes a wonderful combination especially outside. But I don’t mind not having snow like we experienced in Long Island.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know I already told you, but I love this! And that opening line? So lovely. And now I just want snow.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Marcie!
LikeLike
“red whispers into night” is a great way to end this lovely poem. I like the way the color helps move us through time as the day goes by.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pingback: Poetry Friday: Connections | Imagine the Possibilities