Choir of Ice
A poem of winter wonders
Let us sing winter’s anthem—
crystal drops on cracked branches,
staccato beats in frosted window glass,
choruses of cardinals warbling soft carols
into skies washed clean of clouds,
the wind bitter across our cheeks
like unsugared cranberries at Christmas.
The tune is light and heavy at once,
a scatter of notes grave with cold
marking either a season’s brief slumber
or an enduring rest in peace.
Songs change key,
flat notes tuned to the conductor
who taps her baton in a one-two beat
and yawns as the hymn becomes lullaby.
A diminuendo of snowflakes
muffle nature’s melody and verse
when sighing instruments are laid down
with a rapture of fulfillment.
The crisp chill of morning
whispers into hushed anticipation—
mute,
silent,
still.
About the Creator
Alison McBain
Alison McBain writes fiction & poetry, edits & reviews books, and pens a webcomic called “Toddler Times.” In her free time, she drinks gallons of coffee & pretends to be a pool shark at her local pub. More: http://www.alisonmcbain.com/
Reader insights
Outstanding
Excellent work. Looking forward to reading more!
Top insights
Compelling and original writing
Creative use of language & vocab
Easy to read and follow
Well-structured & engaging content



Comments (17)
And yawns as the hymns become lullabies.. Absolutely beautiful. Nicely Done!!
I like the extended metaphor here and all the imagery you use to build it. Very vivid.
Beautifully written. Some great lines in there and I loved how you chose to word and structure the end of the poem!
A well-wrought reflection on winter and a well-deserved win! I love the Northern Cardinal. He and his elegant, more furtive mate are daily actors who bring joy in the theater outside my kitchen window!
Congratulations on Second Place Win! - Well Deserved!
Congratulations Allison on your second place win! Musical inclinations gift Winter a well deserved song. Lovely work!
Really lovely. Congratulations on the well-deserved win. ☃️❄️
Congrats on the win!
This is really beautiful 💚 Congratulations!
Such a lovely poem! Congratulations on earning 2nd place with its lush, vivid imagery!
I loved the musical theme throughout… congratulations 🤩.
Lovely imagery. Congratulations!
Superb nature poem!!! Congratulations on 2nd place win!!!❤️❤️💕
Wooohooooo congratulations on your win! 🎉💖🎊🎉💖🎊
Congratulations Alison! What a beautiful poem.
Great job and congratulations!
This was stunning! Such a beautiful poem!