20 Comments
User's avatar
Amanda Nowlin's avatar

I live in the part of the US that never gets any snow. I've only seen it a couple times in my whole life when we have traveled. So I really love reading poetry and other posts from those of you who do. A lot of people have moved here to "escape the cold and snow" and don't really have nice things to say about it. But when I read things like your poem and others, it sounds magical. I know it can be harsh and not at fun at times of course, but I can see how having a "real winter" can magnify God's story of rhythms and redemption.

Expand full comment
Rosa Lía Gilbert's avatar

I totally relate!!

I grew up in the Dominican Republic, a country on an island not far off the FL coast and thus never grew up experiencing true winters. Since marrying my husband and moving here to OH, it’s been one of the hardest, but also most beautiful things, to experience. It’s a learning curve… to drive in the snow, to dress for the snow, to avoid seasonal depression… but as you said it has also taught me so much about sacred rhythms and how God has designed our bodies and souls to function in a way that mirrors Creation.

Thank you for your comment, Amanda. And I’m glad this poem brought a bit of the magic of winter to a Floridian like you! 🤍❄️

Expand full comment
Amanda Nowlin's avatar

That makes it even more beautiful now knowing your background. Love it.

Expand full comment
Allana Walker's avatar

I LOVE THIS.

SO MUCH.

What a fresh and innovative idea, Rosa. I can't wait to read more of these. :)

Expand full comment
Caroline Mellor's avatar

"These are the peaceful days... a sacred silence" So wonderful 🤍

Expand full comment
Aberdeen Livingstone's avatar

Rose this is marvelous! I love reading how you wove in each suggestion, and it's incredibly cohesive. I especially love how you made us of "gutters": "... through the gutters / of my thawing soul." Thank you for starting this practice!

Expand full comment
Jody L. Collins's avatar

"It is not a regular

kind of silence. It is a sacred

silence—crystalline

serenity—like that of walking

into a vast cathedral."

These lines are muy Bueno, and goodness, yes, how creation points to God through what we see and through what we write. Kudos to everyone who contributed to this lovely cento. Well done Rosa.

Expand full comment
Claire Adderholt's avatar

I adore everything about this. ESpecially this part -

"my tears are but melted

snow trickling

through the gutters

of my thawing soul."

I'm so excited for your ever-growing creativity Rosa!

Expand full comment
Melissa's avatar

The poem and collaboration is stunning! I’m so grateful to have been part of it 🙏🏼🥰❤️

Expand full comment
Heather Cadenhead's avatar

You transformed a silver tin of shiny bits and bobs into a glittering winter coat. Well done!

Expand full comment
L. Adams's avatar

It’s beautiful and I admire the time you took to make it work. I thought it captured all of winter, even the wet sock parts I don’t like😆maybe I’ll be more thankful for wet socks.

Expand full comment
Timothy's avatar

Well done!

Expand full comment
Kassi Wilson's avatar

Loved each stanza, magical 🤍

Expand full comment
Tohru Inoue's avatar

Nice! Wet socks!!

Expand full comment
James Gilbert's avatar

The creative power behind this poem is remarkable. Loved every line!

Expand full comment
Tristan Dueck's avatar

Beautiful poem Rosa, it captures the spirit of winter. And I love how you put everyone’s offerings together, it is a special poem! 🤍🩵

Expand full comment
Taylor Blayse's avatar

This is so beautiful and made me appreciate winter so much more 😍

Expand full comment