The cold came back
like a box of winter clothes
nobody wants to open.
I'd expected better from the world,
though the world
had made no such promise.
Somewhere, a mouth closed
before kindness could get out.
But cruelty slipped through.
The leaves went red,
then let go.
Even beauty knows when to quit.
Squirrels buried their futures
beneath the dirt,
trusting the ground to keep
its mouth shut
and the thieves to stay away.
I walked home
with my hands in my pockets,
carrying nothing
I hadn't brought with me.
By evening,
the sky had turned
the color of dirty chalk,
and the whole damn day
smelled like a forgotten envelope.
-
Author:
Thomas W Case (Pseudonym) (
Offline) - Published: October 18th, 2026 07:48
- Comment from author about the poem: I am pleased to announce the release of my latest book, Searching for Nod. It is available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Searching-Nod-Thomas-W-Case/dp/B0HLMKLS9L/ref=sr_
- Category: Nature
- Views: 63
- Users favorite of this poem: sorenbarrett, Kevin Hulme, Friendship, Paul Bell, Teddy.15, Tristan Robert Lange
Offline)
Comments9
Another wonderful read my friend. This one had some great lines:
"Squirrels buried their futures
beneath the dirt,
trusting the ground to keep
its mouth shut"
This was ingenious and made me smile. Loved it
"
Thank you, my friend.
My pleasure
much enjoyed
Thank you.
It's the same here Thomas. Already I'm being attacked by Leaves as I walk under the Trees.
The Whole aspect has a 'Stay inside and Save Yourselves' look from Outdoors.
A most appropriate Write .
Thanks, my friend.
My Pleasure.
Well written
ty
I hear the smart squirrel watches the others burying their spoils, and then steals it.
Winter is on its way, and sunnier climes are calling.
Yes, they are. Thanks, my friend.
Love this dear Thomas, you always pull a rabbit out of the bag so to speak with your fabulous imagery and the way you write.
I love this particular part.
Squirrels buried their futures
beneath the dirt,
trusting the ground to keep
its mouth shut
🌹
Thank you, sweet Teddy.
We've had a cold Spring this year, so this poem had excellent timing and substance in its posting and reading. 👍🏻🕊️
Thanks, my friend.
Most welcome dear Thomas 👍🏻🕊️
Thomas, autumn is always a mixed bag for me. I love the season, but the shorter days can really mess with my mood. Some evenings I just want to crawl under a blanket and tell the world to come back tomorrow. LOL! 🌹🖤🙏🕯️🐦⬛
I hear you. Me too. Thanks, my friend.
Hello, Thomas,
A dirty chalk day and a forgotten envelope feels like the skin of harsh weather and most unwelcome. I like this poem, very much so. Well done.
Fond regards,
Tony.
Thank you, Tony.
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