Margaret Hevel
Winter Wind's Voice
The voice of winter stutters and stammers through the breezeway,
Over the porch, under the eves.
Whirls around the chimney, surrounds the house with a shriek.
Mocking the frailty inside.
Awakened by this messenger in the night
I listen.
Winter Wind’s voice whistles through each crack and crevice
Swirling chilling breath within.
I shiver.
Fractious voice ceased. I peer through the window.
A sudden gust gyrates a dusting of snow —
Eerie phantoms under the wintry moon glow.
A shrill crescendo as Winter Wind’s voice howls.
Evoking haunting memories I wish would take flight.
A coyote’s voice barks in sharp staccato yips.
Winter Wind’s voice moans a requiem.
I listen.
I shiver.
She has published in magazines such as: The Good Old Days, Bend In The River, Woman’s Day, The Western Horseman and The Smithsonian. Her short stories are featured in books: Horse Tales for the Soul, Dog Tales for the Soul, The Good Old Days and several Chicken Soup for the Soul books. Her non-fiction book, Parenting with Pets, the Magic of Raising Children with Animals, was co-authored with a daughter, an Indie Book finalist in the Parenting/Family category. Her historical fiction, The Ivory Elephant. Based on a true-life story that travels from Wales, England, North Africa and Homer, Alaska.