Riddle of the Two Kin
One races the ridge
in a full coat of weather,
glinting as it moves.
One waits on ice
bare as dawn,
set neat for the table.
Which is the naked one,
which is the dressed—
the runner in its living jacket,
or the quiet figure
with nothing left to shed?
.
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Author:
crypticbard (Pseudonym) (
Offline) - Published: January 18th, 2026 05:15
- Category: Unclassified
- Views: 95
- Users favorite of this poem: sorenbarrett, Tristan Robert Lange, Friendship
Offline)
Comments8
Love it! A fave
Many thanks, Katie. Apologies for getting back only now. 🙏🕊️
Cryptic this one intrigues me. I imagine clouds with flashes of lightning, I see a frozen pond, maybe a leafless tree and I have always thought of winter as naked but maybe not with a coat of snow and ice. A fave
Thanks, Soren --for the high-level interpretation. Tis true, so true🕊️🙏
a fine write most enjoyed
Thanks Norman, most assuredly appreciated 🕊️🙏🏻
most welcome my friend
Beautifully taut and observant—your imagery dances between motion and stillness with a quiet intensity.
The contrast between living and stillness lingers, making the reader pause and feel the weight of each line.
And when each line carries its weight, the poetic burden is lifted! Thanks for sharing poetry, Thomas 🕊️🙏
My friend, this riddle works because it refuses to answer itself. Motion, stillness, covering, exposure…everything trades places by the end. It’s precise, philosophical, and disarming. A very powerful piece, sir poet. 🌹🖤🙏🕯️🐦⬛
May the avians concur 🙏🕊️
🐦⬛🐦⬛🐦⬛☺️
Your poem invites readers to reflect on their own perceptions of vulnerability and protection, ultimately questioning what it means to be 'naked' or 'dressed' in the context of life and death. Well done.
Many thanks, Friendship. Please pardon the belated reply 🙏🕊️
Fine words Rik making ne think.
Andy
It came to be on a supermarket/grocery run. Dressed and naked poultry and such. Thanks, Andy 🙏🕊️
Very nice. Particularly like the phrase:
One waits on ice
bare as dawn
That somehow harks to the present singlet snow angel challenge in snowy areas. Funny how stuff can line up randomly. Thanks, V 🙏🕊️
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