Dark and dreary …

Gold cherry

By Rhiannonw

Thu, 22 Jan 2026
  • 744 reads
17 comments
 

… soggy, foggy
winter days  –
a weary phase:
hurry, scurry
no pausing, gazing
at squelchy decay;
briskly wend our way
to cosy nest –
warmth, light and rest

Certificate U
Poem
Nature
Nature

Comments

Submitted by skinner_jennifer on

Hi Rhiannon,

you know I love this weather and the dark days. For me it's a pleasure to go out walking when the wind's blowing in my face and there's no sun blinding me. It's also lovely to be in doors when the rain's pouring down,, though I'm so glad I'm retired, it can't be very nice for those that have to go out to work.

You sum up perfectly the weather conditions in your poem after a walk.

Jenny.

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Thnk you, yes, we do have brighter days, and that fresh wind which we appreciate the more when there have been darkk, wet days awhile. This came to mind when someone rather unwell was commenting. We also appreciate the light and warmth we have in our homes at such times of year! Rhiannon

 

Submitted by Nolan on

A strange beauty and fascination, feeling comforted and protected. The title reminded me of the Raven of EA Poe. But you people must get tired of it I can imagine.

The core. In my opinion - really an excellent poem Rhiannon. 

& Nolan

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Thank youl, Nolan. I haven't read all that poem, but it is set in bleak December and has dreary and weary in the first line I see! Rhiannon

 

Submitted by Ewan on

 
Multum in parvo. Well done, indeed.

Author Page at the 'Zon
 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Thank you for cherries and pick. I've learnt that latin now. Enjoyed working it out! Rhiannon

 

Submitted by Di_Hard on

Perfect, Rhiannon, all the word sounds and that way you have of making the last line still and comforting somehow

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Thank you, Di. I know you too have a liking for word-sounds and impact as well as meaning! Rhiannon

 

Submitted by TJW on

Understand this but can't appreciate it because it's 68 F and clear.  Applaud your devotion to description.

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

! Hard for us to imagine llife in such a different climate. Thanks. Rhiannon

 

Submitted by GlosKat on

 

 

Submitted by GlosKat on

I know just what you mean Rhiannon, and you've expressed it so well.

When the days start getting really shorter and darker it's November, but we've got Christmas to look forward to.  Then after that it's the solstice to look forward to (yay!), then New Year, then my birthday (more yay !).  

Then .. nothing. A damp squib, literally.  It's the end of January, wet,dark, chilly, and nothing on the horizon except more of the same. As you put it so eloquently 'a weary phase'.

But it is just a phase, a season, a rest period.  That's nature isn't it, no summer without winter. 

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

thank you. But in the end then we are looking forward to spring, and regrowth, just have to be more patient! And there are so often the bright intervals that encourage us in our waiting, crisp and sunny, if cold! In fact I looked realising that my photos were more of such days! Rhiannon

 

Submitted by marandina on

You capture the darker and danker side of the seasons with such skill, Rhiannon.

A picture painted so adriotly.

I think we are all hankering for spring by now. 

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Thank you. Hopefully we'll appreciate it the more! Rhiannon

 

Submitted by Jane Hyphen on

It has felt like a dark, dreary month so far and I'm not usually affected by the winter blues but this month I have struggled. The squelchy decay underfoot has put me off walking but I work outside so fresh air is mandatory. Aren't we lucky to have cozy nests to go home to.

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Thank you, Jane. I'm glad you too have a cozy winter nest! Yesterday we had to drive across mid-Wales in the morning, and were surprised with a clear morning and views, such sometimes brief windows of lightenss are an encouragement to patience! And fresh air is always good.