Winter in Clayton has Begun
The snow covered ice illuminates with white as the moon shines over the river
Shanty's cast black shadows from random settings
Drifts form snow waves that stretch out across the bay under Luna's grace
Around the corner buoys take rest at their winter height
Resting on the dock where the rails came to an end
Where hills of black coal fed the furnaces keeping crews afloat and the chill from our homes
Red and green, red and green all in a row
Over sized seasonal ornaments stand contrast to the winter's landscape
No longer flashing their beacons of light across the river that's now turned to ice
Appear more beautiful than expected as they stand guard along our riverside bank
It's winter in Clayton
The size of the snowflakes seen best with the back light of the street lamps
Roads, trenched between snow banks formed by the proud and dedicated men behind the wheel, as the walls grow higher with each passing snowfall
Snow Angels formed by children close to heaven
Sending signals to reach their guardians
The return of the snowmen
They come to spend the winter
Keeping watch at their frozen post with coal filled eyes
Waiting for the spring thaw to become one with the river
Warm souls, smiles on faces
Lost in the smile of a friend having fun
The smell of wood burning in the stove and the comfort of the warmth with family and friends
Winter in Clayton has begun
The love of life on the river will never end

01/25/2022

Posted on 01/25/2022
Copyright © 2025 Thomas K. Hunt