70 Comments
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Ted Leonhardt's avatar

Such beauty in your words and how you put them together. I know the feeling you describe, but it's the opposite for me. I find the winter fire on the darkest mornings to warm me completely full. And I get to wear my great long coat and matching hat outside that I know makes me look like somebody that I think others want to be. My ego is full and blooming with self-importance. Oh, so good it is.

Franco Amati's avatar

haha, awesome. maybe I just need a great long coat. That might helps things out a bit! I appreciate the kind words Ted. keep on blooming, my friend.

David Perlmutter's avatar

SAD starts up in winter for me, so I appreciate this.

Franco Amati's avatar

hang in there, David. I'm glad this connected with you.

Chen Rafaeli's avatar

Oh I'm the same in winter. Even in So Cal where squirrels run just as happy. I guess it's the light thing. I did love snow when I was little (still love but theoretically)...I loved sand, I loved everything. Everything was magical.

Most likely it still is; that's us who change.

luckily, today is a sunny day; it was so rainy and gloomy and chilly before, I'm really influenced by that unfortunately. And even with that, I'm already all winterised so to say. Uggs, warm robe, AC on heat...one doth get easily spoiled, I remarked.

Thank you Franco, really love it

Franco Amati's avatar

Haha yes we definitely need that winterized attire. The creature comforts get us through. I do like being cosy indoors when it’s snowing and I don’t have to go out there. But yeah it’s the fact that we still have to responsible adults through all the madness. That’s what’s difficult.

Maria Rosales's avatar

You honour the winter blues with this poem, beautifully written Franco!

"and the animals who can’t hibernate

become brutally deranged"

this is often me this time of the year when I don't get enough sleep.

"Feeling the pressure to be there for other people when you can barely be there for yourself" this really rang true from the commentary, some winter days it's hard getting out of bed let alone being the person you'd like to be for others.

Franco Amati's avatar

Thank you, Maria ♥️ I’m glad it rang true. And good to know I’m not the only one who feels it. 🙏

Blake's avatar

Brutally gorgeous. That first line really cuts through the ice. So powerful. You're not alone brother.

Franco Amati's avatar

Thank you Blake. I'm happy you liked that first line. I appreciate the support.

Carole Roseland's avatar

I so identify with this! Everything takes longer, and it’s always dark too soon, and all of a sudden there is too much to do at the end of the year. It seems like I should be used to this by now, but I never am.

Franco Amati's avatar

Thanks Carole. I’m glad you appreciated this. :)

Nevena Pascaleva's avatar

There’s no such issues down here in Greece. We have sun all year round. Winter is even better because it’s a bit colder— despite the sun- thank God!🙂

Franco Amati's avatar

Jealous! haha. Sounds like I need to move somewhere around there. :)

Ria Galliano's avatar

The malls really do get overrun with jerks. The stores are already crazy and it's not even December yet. This poem hit me in a resounding way. Beautiful prose, Franco.

Franco Amati's avatar

yes! so true. be careful out there. lol

Jennifer Haddock's avatar

Loved this! I’m learning to appreciate the cold of winder. Spent my life disliking it, feeling all the things you mentioned. But the past few years, trying to appreciate the biting cold in new ways, as a chance to hibernate in a human way. Idk. Loved this poem and the commentary.

Franco Amati's avatar

Thank you Jen ❤️ I agree, sometimes it takes a little mental leap to appreciate certain aspects of it. I’m glad you enjoyed it.

Joan Livingston's avatar

Yes so much to do before the year ends!

Franco Amati's avatar

Ha good luck out there. I believe in you, Joan. Thanks for the comment.

Joan Livingston's avatar

Thank you. I believe in you and your writing as well.

SG's avatar

"The animals who can't hibernate become brutally deranged" ha, that's so me :D Wonderful work. Winter isn't always a wonderland though, and we need to be kind and patient with those around us. Important reminder.

Franco Amati's avatar

Thank you SG. yes, many of us will feel a bit deranged, patience is key.

Everett Taasevigen's avatar

Thank you.

Mark R. Hunter's avatar

Apparently it's the lack of light more than the cold, for those of us with Seasonal Affected Disorder. Still, I can't say I think much of the cold.

Franco Amati's avatar

Thank you Mark

Anthi Psomiadou's avatar

Drawing strength from relationships helps us endure the season.

Time for gratitude, patience, rest, and reflection...

Nice message, my friend Franco!

Franco Amati's avatar

Thank you, Anthi ♥️ it is a time for gratitude.

Keeley Roberts's avatar

I love this and love the cover pic!!

Franco Amati's avatar

Thank you Keeley ❤️

Esther Stanway-Williams's avatar

Keeping it real…I like how you describe the challenges of struggling through winter…and that end sweet note felt just right, lovely ❤️

Franco Amati's avatar

Thank you Esther ❤️