Reluctant Frost

Summary

The poem "Reluctant Frost" by Natalie Frank (Taye Carrol) reflects on a mild winter's reluctance to embrace its traditional harshness, contrasting the expected severity with a more temperate beginning, and is accompanied by related works and a call to support the author's Medium page, Mental Gecko.

Abstract

"Reluctant Frost" is a poetic contemplation on the uncharacteristic mildness of a Chicago winter, which typically commences with a sharp fall-like chill. The poem describes the winter as being "shamed" by the unseasonably warm temperatures, rejecting the idea of causing discomfort or fear with its coldness. Instead, it seeks a harmonious coexistence with the surrounding seasons, attempting to soften its inherent cold nature. However, the poem acknowledges that nature will eventually assert itself, and the winter will exhale its true frigid essence, leaving behind barren landscapes and frosted windows. The author, Natalie Frank (Taye Carrol), has a history of published poetry and fiction and invites readers to explore more of her work on Medium.

Opinions

The poem conveys a personified winter that initially resists the expected harshness, showing an unexpected gentleness.
There is a sense of confusion and contradiction in the natural world, as the winter's warmth contradicts the celestial bodies still visible in the lit sky.
The author seems to appreciate the beauty and complexity of the seasons, particularly the winter's struggle between its traditional role and the current mildness.
The poem suggests a respect for the power of nature, recognizing that despite the winter's current reluctance, it must eventually fulfill its role in the natural cycle.
The inclusion of the author's publishing history and encouragement to read more of her work indicates a desire for reader engagement and support for her creative endeavors.

Reluctant Frost

Max Pixel (CC0)

Of rugged countenance should he be But easy disposition wants Embarrassed in discourse to flee Of breathing backward chill disdains

Chicago’s fall-like winter’s start Seems shamed by upward temperature While stars and moon and beacons seen In still lit sky as if confused

Austere to be, to mortify It has no taste this year for dread Refusing warmth to rip from breast And cause to cover, cower, cry

Instead it seeks a tolerant berth Amidst the bookend seasons tamed To modify inherent cold Which serves to chase all from his midst

But nature he cannot avoid And soon he must exhale his truth To leave all branches barren, brown To chill the toes and frost the glass

Natalie Frank (Taye Carrol) has had her poetry featured in several anthologies including Untimely Frost. Her fiction has been published in Haunted Waters Press, Weirdbook Magazine, Siren’s Call Publications, Lycan Valley Press and Zero Fiction among others.

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You can also find links to all of the articles, stories, fiction and poetry I publish on Medium here. Thanks for reading and for supporting Mental Gecko!

Reluctant Frost

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