23 Comments
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Julie Gabrielli's avatar

This captures the silence nicely. I also like the sound of “hissing grittily.” Beautiful photos.

Erik Hogan's avatar

Thanks Julie! It’s really hard to capture in either words or pictures. The silence of it all is there, but also that hiss of snow hitting the leaves. They’re subtle and distinct, but some how both present at the same time.

Marshall R Peterson's avatar

You’re correct, I don’t like it. I love it. The pictures are the cake, the words, the icing. My heart rate dropped and my mind relaxed and lost itself wandering in the images and then the words. Thank you.

Erik Hogan's avatar

I deeply appreciate that. Thank you Marshall!

Baird Brightman's avatar

The tone and texture of your poem are very appealing to me Erik, as is your conflation of snowing and writing. The photographs are lovely and make me nostalgic for my New England home/life. But to paraphrase WC Fields, I’d rather be here in southern CA this time’o’year (hit 80 last week!). ☀️🌴

Erik Hogan's avatar

Thanks! I think tone and texture were as much the goal, if not more so than literal meaning. This isn’t southern CA, but a week later and we’re in the mid 60’s! A roller coaster for sure!

Sheryl White's avatar

Image 4 the tree with leaves still on it struck me the most in light of what you were saying. Just the light snow in abundance. Enough to hear it yet to translate it into words...an interesting juxtaposition.

I played with poetry in high-school, but never since...to me, a picture is worth a thousand words, and my preferred choice for communicating. My posts are more about the images or locations, and rarely about the deeper meanings I often associate with them. Then everyone can make their own interpretation as they see it. 90% of my photos are just my observations without even me associating meaning to them. Occasionally, something I see/take, reaches me at a deeper level, but I don't usually share it so others can make their own associations.

Erik Hogan's avatar

That photo is exactly where the term gritty hissing came to mind!

I think your approach is the stronger in terms of making the viewer come to their own conclusions. For myself, I think of Musashi (Japanese master swordsman in the 1600’s). He said “when you know the way broadly you see it in all things.” The art is in perspective on life and relating that to others. The medium and technical mastery of it are secondary. At least that’s my goal.

Thanks Sheryl!

Kyle Shepard's avatar

You were wrong. I very much liked this piece! Your creativity and beautiful writing paired with stunning photography expands yet again.

Erik Hogan's avatar

Thanks! This was an enjoyable experience, using words and the camera with no expectations and just molding the impressions that came my way.

Karen Steinour's avatar

Beautiful photos! Beautiful words! Snow on the page - you’ve captured it in all its glory…

Erik Hogan's avatar

Thank you Karen! I was trying to show some unique perspectives!

Marty D. Snow's avatar

Great pics and poem. I’m a fan of snow. :)

Niki Elle's avatar

Whoa...! I didn't know you wrote POETRY!?!?!? Please, keep this coming. Along with copious amounts of those gorgeous Christmas-card-esque photos.

Erik Hogan's avatar

Haha! I recently found some of my old notebooks and was really kind of amazed at how much poetry I tried to write when I was younger. I may try it again, especially with your encouragement!

We had one day of snow! It feels like spring now, so that may be the end of it, lol!

Niki Elle's avatar

PLEASE do!! Poems!! I need to read more poetry anyway.

Erik Hogan's avatar

Haha! And I need to learn to write better poems, so it’s a win/win! 😂

James Hider's avatar

Absolutely love this Erik. I love the idea that both snow and words will settle and change the terrain / page. Thank you.

Erik Hogan's avatar

That means a lot! Thanks James!

Jennifer Carr's avatar

Your photographs and your words are beautiful meditations on winter. Thank you for sharing!

Erik Hogan's avatar

Jennifer, your own photography is excellent, so that gives this compliment extra weight! I really appreciate it!

Jennifer Carr's avatar

Thank you so much!