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Review #4770632
Viewing a review of:
 
Alpine Solstice: A poem  [E]
Poem for the December poetry contest
by Louis Williams
In affiliation with The WDC Angel Army  
Rated: E | (4.5)
Access:  Public | Hide Review (?)
Dear Louis Williams ,

I found "Alpine Solstice," on the read and review link, feeling a chill outside my window seemed apropos. The poem is serene and sweetly captures a winter landscape, in the air above town but below the tall timber. It was very vivid and the dark scenery had a calm feel about it with its depiction through both voice and imagery. Your effort immediately set the tone with “A frozen halo glows softly.” I had visions of ethereal light in a chilly environment that might be for skis, using my imaginative reaction.

When the read gets to “frozen halo” its a sense of purity; meanwhile, “softly” seemed a spirited reference that takes the edge off that harshness associated with winter. The poem comes across as contemplative in tone to embrace the stillness of that alpine night.

Imagery is notable and prominent in developing the feel of this atmosphere. “Glittering snow dances sweetly / Under the star light's reign” creates a visual nostalgia of winter for me, as I picture that sparkling blanket of snow from the glow of overhead stars. I sense this motion in “dances sweetly” with a graceful life about it, which opposes the idea of a desolate winter. This isolation within the alpine is inviting for someone like me who likes a serene winter spot to enjoy alone in expectant warmth of the upcoming Christmas.

There’s a noted use of sound here, with rhythmic qualities in phrases like “high upon the alpine” and “no voices carrying sweet carols” that develop the auditory experience. Your deliberate repetition of soft consonants and vowel sounds throughout could be felt embedded in a lyrical quality. I imagine any reader who loves the peace and joy of a winter landscape can appreciate what you’ve depicted here. The focus on sound deepens, helps increase appreciation for the poem theme and feelings of solitude in this wintery atmosphere.

If you were to enhance the poem further, varying the pacing or trying a little enjambment can further create a more dynamic rhythm. Adding more sensory details could also help, like hints of scents, thinking about those alpine, but other experiences could further help out the imagery to get an even better picture and truer sense of your poem’s atmosphere.

Overall, "Alpine Solstice" is beautifully done and encapsulates the quiet, introspective spirit of winter that I love in my somber walks in chill nights. I could imagine peace in a locale like this, especially if it were nearing the holiday season.

Looks like we got Christmas in August because of a random read. I really enjoyed it.

Brian
WDC Angel Army Reviewer
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