Memories of Winter
Tell us about your favorite holidays, your first toboggan, what you want in your stocking this year. Write about the cold mornings and hot cocoa, or how you plan to change in the new year.
Poetry
White Girl Winter Kristen Mick The smell of pumpkin spice lattes fills the air. Legs shiver in tribal spandex With combat boots to match. Sheer scarves keep no warmth inside. Your Hollister paycheck funds your weather- inappropriate clothes. The heater broke in your 2003 Honda. It's warmer outside the car. You were late to school Because you needed your Starbucks fix. Snapchat your peppermint mocha frappe in I.S.S. you poor little white girl. The Wind Brooke Shipley The colorful leaves whisk around low, Blown by the chill of Winter's breath. White, fluffy, and beautiful is the show. The wind is picking up quickly Clouds hover closer to the ground Unique snowflakes dance down sneakily. Snowflakes Lexi McManigal All one of a kind All unique Beautiful, small But melt and are forgotten. I don't wish to freeze forever. I don't want to melt too soon. I want to escape the flurry. I want to be preserved. Winter- remind me of morality. Winter- remind me of my dreams. Winter- don't go away forever One day, come back to me. Winter Savannah McLaws Crystal snowflakes falling on the ground. Little kids playing around. As snowmen are built. I lay under my quilt. Drinking my warm hot cocoa. Watching the tree shine bright Or watching the stars glisten at night The one star that stands out Outside or on top of my evergreen tree Shows that the real meaning of Christmas Isn't me. Anxious Wesley Wright There are so many opportunities in this world There are so many dreams and ambitions But most of these dreams are buried Buried in a graveyard of doubt. Meaning that these people died with cold hearts: They had a dream, but were too scared. Scared of the people who told them "No". They were scared to take the risks But I have way too much ambition I'm way too anxious. I'm looking for greatness. Warm and Cozy Sheccia Ramirez Warm cozy cotton coats Heavy like an elephant on My shoulders. Layers of cloth underneath Boots strong as a rock to go out and face what's beyond the frosted door. I take a step closer, ready to take Whatever is to come. My hand touches the Knob. I turn it. I open it, and a gush Of wind hits my face like running Into a brick wall. See nothing but a Coat of white everywhere. I Love My Bed Faraah Ibarra The temperatures plunge Sweater weather is brought out The days get shorter And the nights get longer As we wake up, it seems As if it's nighttime. We drag on through the day Wishing we could stay in our cozy beds. They protect us from the weather, Big pillows made of feathers. I love my bed. A Winter's Day Alondra Lomeli The cold breeze brushed my face AS the few leaves on the naked Branches rustled against each other. The whistling wind carried with it The leaves that were once vibrant Green. They drift away as tiny specs Of white come floating from the sky. The snow begins to pile against every Empty spot it can find. Which made Me wonder whether it ever Entered your heart as well. Giving Merry Mackelprang I like to think That the clouds So Numerous, Refuse to share their diamonds. Winter might be the closest I'd ever be To any type of magic. The ground is dry, but the air is not. Peppermint, warm bread, and laughter Quickly fill the spaces we breathe. You're coming home. The winters there are bitter And I am anxious To warm you with my love again. Even though nature is not do giving This time of year, I like to think That's why we give this holiday: To make up for nature's deficiency. The Arizona Farmer's Holiday Caleb Haynes They say the winters here are warm, That I shouldn't complain, but I'm cold. Each morning the heavy hug of my blankets Holds a little longer-- A little warmer-- A little heavier. There's no icicles, no snow plows, no cuddling by the fireplace. I'm still not really sure what scarves are for. Christmas carolers rarely come to my porch. No toys in the window of the corner store. And I don't have a chimney for Santa Clause to climb down. I don't dream of a white Christmas That's what my cotton's for. Silver bells? Nah, man. Cow-bells. I don't imagine a red-nosed reindeer tastes As good as a white-tailed buck. Should I write a letter to Santa? What would I ask for? A warmer jacket, maybe. Some boots. How about some gloves that are a little less worn? I'd settle for some rain. The Sturdy Cabin Kayla Jackson The wind howled, Throwing blizzards of ice At our sturdy cabin. Still, we laughed on. We circled the fireplace, Chugging cocoa and Singing carols as a family. The blizzards built up Outside the door, locking us Inside. Our sturdy cabin Kept us safe. So, Still, we laughed on. Her Choice Sabrina Goodman Though the chill Bit at her face And the cold Enveloped her, It couldn't keep its hold Because of the fire Inside of her. Outside, the blizzard Melted away, not Strong enough to Stand against the Fire she'd stoked Inside her heart, The one that kindled From her choice To be happy. Garments of Warmth Mattie Whitt Frostbitten hands call for gloves Wretched touchscreen fingers, why do you Not work? Scarves keep my neck warm Hope I'm not hung tonight Blue parka jackets make me waddle Does this flatter my figure? Snow boots save my feet from the wet Though I only gain an extra Seventy pounds Fuzzy pink pads cover my ears Pardon me, but what did you say? A beanie to top it off Hat hair will win me a Husband Oh. Winter apparel. How I loathe thee. A Cold Fight Josh Gardner Icicles fall from the sky above me Thrust in the middle of war To fight the warmth that slowly creeps Overtaking the cold in the morning light They come down like lightening Daring you to come and try to catch But just when you think that you have done it, It slips form your finger And shatters on the ground It might be a metaphor But probably not. Just don't catch them With your mouth. Winter Is Here! Chey Turville The snow softly floats down from the sky Spreading a thine, white blanket on the ground. Winter is here! Animals scurry to find shelter. Birds begin to fly south Announcing that Winter is here! Parents gather their children Greeting them with a warm cup of hot cocoa Winter is here! Children run outside Layered with jackets, hats, and gloves Their breath appearing from their mouths, Winter is here! Beaten Chantelle Ohlsen What a hectic time of year, Full of bruises and Christmas tears. Work is all fun and games Until the holidays. Watching people buy their presents While you're still on the clock Rushing to the mall during your lunch To make your loved ones a happy bunch By tackling others down For that one game Exhausted and Beaten You present your gift for a Merry Holiday |
Snow Angels Andie Sigety The feeling of winter frost Hungrily nipping at my pink face The gentle kiss of snow, landing subtly On the Surface of my chilled flesh. Aggressively throwing myself Into a heap of newborn, cottony snow, Relying on the massive pillow to absorb the weight of my winter clothes. AS I sit up, I see my sister, building a disproportioned snowman. I allow a childish giggle to ripple out of my throat. I hear my mother, calling us inside; Hot chocolate. As I allow the boiling liquid to rush down my diaphragm, It warms my veins. Decor Alyona Horrocks All the decorations on the tree Are memories of old. Each ornament is waiting for its story To be told. Telling Christmas tales by the fire, but this year, My family is my desire. I miss the smiles, laughs, and mugs Sharing love over hot cocoa in mugs. The longing of family is so dear I wipe away the tears to see them clear All the pictures on the wall Down the stairs and into the hall Memories are everywhere But they're not here. Snow Nicole Grassi The snow falls soft and fast on The ground. Much like I did for you. Each snowflake a different shape And design. So many to choose from, but I picked You as quick as I could. I know I could lose you as quickly as a snowflake melts in my hand. So I will admire you with the time we have Because it is as short as a Winter day. The Hidden Fire Isabel Castaneda Harsh and unforgiving, The cold attacks my limbs My footsteps echo and whisper As I walk within the wind. I step quickly through the storm Of biting air and lights. Suddenly, my steps falter And I catch a glimpse of the fire.. Bleeding though the sky. I exhale clouds of wonder As I witness the true beauty Of this cold morning sight. Showing Thanks Hannah Walker Weather outside is chilly Shining lights are everywhere. Families are coming together Gathering to feast Warmth of the inside fireplace fills the room. Seeing the peoples' faces; No one shows gloom. Smiling, talking, having fun. Showing thanks to everyone. CHildren play, laughing too. The best time of the year. The time for cheers. Stay Awhile Angel Burgen Glistening, pure white snow Cold weather coming around. Carolers putting on a show: Christmas is in town. Houses decorated with lights Nighttime feels like forever. KIds' eyes filled with delight Family coming together Laughter and joy in every smile Oh, please, Winter, stay awhile. The Cold Addisun N. The snow falls to the ground Swiftly and silently it piles up Little snowflakes, each unique Snow piles grow Higher And higher Kids come to play Snowballs are thrown here and there The dark comes and the children leave Soon, all warmth outside is gone. Lift up the window of the house. Show the warmth inside. Inside. You'll find protection from the cold outside. Numb and Dumb Parker Miller It's cold outside and I'm sitting and I'm shivering' I see you out, you're walking right beside him You feel. You're hoping that you'll get some. I'm sitting here. And I'm feeling numb and dumb. I'm not sad. But maybe I'm just mad I really did like you, and I liked you really bad. You blew me off. Thought I lead you on There's a song that says you'll miss me when I'm gone. You left me for that other guy You never gave me a reason why There's some things about you that I hate This song is meant to set things straight. I'd say I miss you, but that's not true I don't care what you decide to do With this. You get the down-faced thumb I hope this leaves you numb and dumb. One question: Why'd you go for that guy? I see it. I'm glad that you said "Bye." What's in him that you need? You got with him and started smoking weed. I'm done. I'll see your lying face around I hope he runs you 'round and 'round/ I'm not going back. So have your 'fun'. I'd give you a finger, but you're not #1. The First Snow Alexandra Mas The first snow is the most delicate Slowly falling from the sky It frees itself from the clouds To join the Earth down below. The first snow is always the most beautiful Gently kissing the ground as it lands Loving the faces of those passing by Floating through the air. The first snow is always the most innocent Care-free and wondering Exploring the world Creating a new beginning. Imprisoned by the Snow Kaaryn White The land, once green and alive, Is filled with a white silence. The flowers that once bloomed in the warmth, Are sealed shut from the frigid cold. THe animals that once roamed the fields, Have been imprisoned by the snow. That strong, fruitful tree in your yard, Is now void of the life it once harbored. The clear, sunny days you once played in, Have been replaced with nights by the fire. Wintertime Emily John Car windows frosted over. Dreaming in itchy socks. Tongues stung by cocoa. Goosebumps etched on shoulders. Dark mornings and early nightfall. Groups huddled tight. Frozen hair. Chapped knuckles Dry skin. Eternal shivers. I wish it were summer. I Remember Samantha McDevitt I remember hanging up the lights. I remember the smile on your face. I remember handing you the stockings. I remember you laughing at my jokes. I remember putting up the tree. I remember the sparkling in your eyes. I remember hanging up the ornaments. I remember the promise that you made. I remember you walked out the door. I remember you never looked back. A Sea of Frozen Water Jasmine Paredes A sea of frozen water Trickles down the edges of my spine, As the moisture sneaks through the hems of my Waffle sweater My body trembles in frustration from the brisk, cool air That collides with my epidermis, My teeth begin to chatter And my feet start to tumble As I navigate my way through The beige angels of the clouds. I Guess Sierra Endsley Cold, dark, dreary Bracing yourself against winter's fury Wrapped in fleece and wool Dreading the long, painful walk to school Nothing could be worse Slipping, crashing, I hear a colorful curse Frosty fingers and red nose I can't wait until winter come to a close But I guess it is alright You need to know darkness to know the light. Winter's Howls Courtney Poulin The Winter's silent, As it cold. It may be the first snow, But Winter is old. Old Man Winter is unforgiving, Perched upon his throne. Each breath he takes, Rattles these old bones. Even the Wintry spirits, Hide in the night. Old Man Winter's howls Give them such a fright. Best Time of Year Kimberly Real As December gets near, the cold creeps in Smoke begins to roam the air as Fireplaces are lit. Nothing better than this time of year Lights near and far lighting up the night. Warm feeling comes as December is here. Love and happiness fills the air All the warmth felt in every corner. December is here, time to sit back by the Fireplace, enjoy love and kindness In company of family and friends AS this is December, the best Time of the year. Winter Josh Herrera Winter-- a time when couples are closer. A time when the lonely Are loneliest. Winter-- A time when it's colder for some. A time when lovers Are warmest. Winter-- A time for holiday cheer A time of disappointment For a few. Winter-- A time for giving. A time for some to wish they had enough To give. Winter-- A time for happiness for some. A time for sadness For others. |
Fiction
I Saw Mommy Killing Santa Claus
Freddy Lemus
When I was in the fourth grade, I saw my parents tying Santa up with a thick, yellow rope. Santa's back was pressed hard against the wooden chair. My father had a gun pointed to his head. I watched as this horrific scene was occurring in front of my eyes. He didn't even get a chance to finish the cookies! My mother was taping his mouth shut; no more ho-ho-ho's for him. I saw the flash of the gunpowder reacting to the trigger. That morning, the gifts were under the tree, but I knew that my parents put them there. WHo else would do it if Santa was dead?
Non-Fiction
Prompt: When did Santa die? (i.e. When did you learn about his non-existence?) Or, tell of another startling revelation that changed your perception of the world.
Maturity Killed Santa
Chantelle Ohlsen
There is no real story in my life about when I learned that Santa was not real. There was no dramatic, life-changing event. I was one of those lucky kids who believed in the fairy tales of childhood for as long as I could. I just kind of...grew up. Which, in a way, is just as crushing as finding out one morning.
The only difference is that instead of one shocking instance ruining one thing for you, everything fades away.... As reality takes over your life and shows you what the real world looks like, there is no more room for Santa, the tooth fairy, and, luckily, the monster under your bed gets kicked to the curb (Maybe, I don't know, you should still check just in case.)
And then all you're really left with is wishing you still had that innocence, when anything could happen.
SANTA'S NOT REAL?
Maddie Hartgrave
"Santa's not real?!?"
Oh my goodness gracious golly gosh!
"How could you tell me such a thing you turd?
YOU KILLED HIM!
The End
Santa Isn't Dead
Josh Gardner
Santa isn't dead. He lives in all of us, watching for his list. He is the joy that lights up a child's face as they open the present that they have been waiting months for. He is the hope on everyone's heart that a better world is out there somewhere, and the hope that ww will find it. He is the fear that maybe this year you weren't good enough. He is the New Year's resolution to be better. He is the light that grows as you watch a child grow into an adult and the choices they make that follow that jolly man. Santa lives in all of us, and it is the spirit of Santa that will live on through the generations, spreading hope and cheer to those who live where there is none. This is what Santa is, and words and wars will never kill him.
My Teacher Killed Santa Claus
Matthew P.
The moment when I realized Santa wasn't real was when I went to school in the third grade. One of the students asked, "What's Santa getting you, teacher?"
The teacher replied, flatly, "Nothing. Santa isn't real." Then the teacher got fired for uining everyone's childhood.
I Wasn't What I Thought I Was
Dallas Hunt
Going to school was a natural thing. I held my chin high as I walked through the clean white painted walls. I owned this place. I was clean-shaven and wide-eyed. Innocent, not a care in the world. Until the fifth grade when it was revealed to me that I was half-Mexican.
I don't own this place!
I clean this place.
All this time my mom wasn't mumbling things because of some weird mental disease. She was speaking her native language. No wonder she puts cajun in our fruit smoothies! That flatscreen TV probably isn't really ours either. On that day my whole world changed forever. I'm a mixed breed.