Woodpecker by Jan Chronister

Jan Chronister, now retired from teaching writing, is the author of three full-length poetry collections and nine chapbooks; the latest are The Book of Eunice, about her mother, and Land of Cotton, Land of Snow, the fourth in her annual series of "year in review" chapbooks. Gardening keeps Jan "grounded", as she puts it, and often provides inspiration for her poems. Jan and her husband of 50+ years divide their time between far north Wisconsin and South Georgia.

Jo:
I enjoyed your poem, Jan. and that last line is terrific � a valentine to cheer us up �till spring. Thank you.
Posted 02/16/2019 09:21 PM

barbsteff:
Congrats on this "cheer us up" mid-February poem Jan. Love the flash and splash, the 3-color picture.
Posted 02/16/2019 03:05 PM

Lori Levy:
Love the image of the woodpecker in the "February freeze."
Posted 02/16/2019 02:48 PM

michael escoubas:
Staccato sounds of poetry. Do I hear that woodpecker? Nicely done, Jan.
Posted 02/16/2019 01:52 PM

CamilleBalla:
My iPad types in ? instead of quotation marks at this site. Readers, please know it should be quotation marks, I�ll try to remember not to use quotes.
Posted 02/16/2019 11:24 AM

CamilleBalla:
Nice splash of contrasts. �... Drumming echoes clear through the cold.� Nice. Sweet ending
Posted 02/16/2019 11:21 AM

Janet Leahy:
Love the "flash and crash of crimson" and the music the woodpecker brings to the still woods. Very visual and great language of contrast, then the surprise reference to a valentine bringing us cheer. Great poem, thanks Jan.
Posted 02/16/2019 08:34 AM

wordartdjc:
Sweet poem. Yes, a bit of unexpected cheer perks up our spirit. It is gloomy and rainy here today.
Posted 02/16/2019 08:25 AM

paradea:
I like this poem.
Posted 02/16/2019 06:38 AM