Tuesday, February 3, 2015

WILMA SEVILLE

Seasons of my Life


My feet crunch on icy snow
white clouds, grey underbelly
hover over my bowed head  
ready to dump more white stuff


sun sinks on horizon
ice and snow shimmer
footsteps etched on lake
naked trees shiver in wind


utter silence as I walk
beside Lac St. Louis
fond thoughts of times gone by


I’m “home” for a visit
to touch base with my roots
deep in Lachine soil


black ice underfoot, I slip  
why did I come in winter
temperatures twenty below
a need for boots, overcoat  
scarf and warm mittens?  


Shivering, I walk fast
anxious to get to my cousin’s
place - a haven for me
a return to “home”


We sip hot chocolate
my glasses steam up
we reminisce of 50 years ago


back yard gardens
vegetables & flowers
my favourite spot
the wooden playhouse
which overlooks the lane


new life in Spring
feathery leaves burst out
on gray tree trunks
crocuses & daffodils
lily of the valley thrive.


neighbours venture outside
call greetings and stop to chat
streets and sidewalks alive
with kids playing games
rugby, marbles, hop scotch
skipping and Mother-Mother, May I?


streetlights come on, time is up
hands grip bike handles
strong legs pump - head home


Shad flies, mass together  
mesmerized by light poles
fall victim to man’s wheels
crunch underfoot as I walk


stench overpowers nose
they lie thick on ground
impossible not to step on them
I shudder as I hear them pop


through the lane I race
as the train from Montreal arrives
familiar smells at Lachine Station
I’m glad to see my Dad

summer in Lachine, lazy days
school over - freedom!
summer cottage in Ile Perrot
swimming twice a day
hair washing in the lake
ivory soap floats away  


row boat takes me far
oars dipping into the coolness
of the lake, solitude I desire
to think and to pray


Inner tube on gentle waves
lulls me, refreshes me
peace reigns on this sunny day


all too soon, September here
school days begin again
easy living of summer gone


it’s Halloween, how exciting!
I don my cherished outfit
trick or treat with friends.
bob for apples or sing a song
in the hope of getting a treat
Scene after scene comes
as we walk together down memory lane


tramping through deep snow to the Pier
to pick out a Christmas tree.
decorated tree sparkles with tinsel
photos taken of starry-eyed children
wrapped gifts sit mysteriously
waiting for Christmas day.


our hot chocolate finished
we call it a day, climb the stairs
bid each other a good night
to dream, perhaps, of times gone by.

Copyright(c)WilmaSeville 2015


Editor's note: This poem was written for an on-line group of people from my home town. I have enjoyed writing it and hope that it resonates with others.

A further note, so far on the Lachine group I have had so many good comments on this poem. I am so thrilled that it resonated with so many people. It made my day!

3 comments:

  1. Being a resident of Lachine for 22 years, I can really relate to this poem. Thank you for posting it on LTN.

    ReplyDelete
  2. You are most welcome Linda. Have a great day and enjoy your daily walk around Lachine.

    ReplyDelete