A writer inspired by nature and human nature

MY MAINE “Winter Tales” (Haiku selections) from Bette A. Stevens’s Poetry & Photography Collection

Aside

This collection of haiku reflects the Maine I know and love. Here is a sampling of several stanzas from the section Winter Tales. I hope you enjoy them and would appreciate your comments. I plan to edit and format the collection during the holiday season, and hope to publish my first poetry book—MY MAINE, Haiku through the Seasons. ~Bette A. Stevens, Maine author 

Winter Tales

(Selected samples from MY MAINE, Haiku Through the Seasons by Bette A. Stevens)

Winter genie waves
Its icy crystal scepter
Dawn’s magic appears

Silvery branches
Read a charmed folktale
A spellbound story

Pine cones and tassels
Mirrored in moonlight upon
White weighted branches

Chickadees dozing
Nestling, captive till
Morning sets them free

Shovels and snow plows
Storm’s ravings unraveled
Till the next arrives

Soups, stews and chowders
Stories told round the table
Favored winter fare

The sundial declares
Dwindling days this season
When nightfall looms large

Neighbors helping hands
Gifts from the heart most cherished
As storm clouds gather

Families and friends
Make merry through this season
Knee deep in snow

Thanks so much for taking time to read these selected verses from MY MAINE, Haiku Through the Seasons. The collection is availble in print and eBook formats. Take a peek inside and grab a copy at AMAZON.com . ~Bette A. Stevens, Maine author

[Explore Bette’s Blog]

Written

on 11/28/2018

Comments on: "MY MAINE “Winter Tales” (Haiku selections) from Bette A. Stevens’s Poetry & Photography Collection" (86)

  1. mizan said:
    02/22/2020 at 12:22 am

    Congratulations on your first publication of poetry, Bette!! So happy for you!

    Liked by 1 person

  2. maryannniemczura said:
    03/13/2019 at 10:56 am

    Great imagery. Since I live in almost the same type of climate, I can truly relate. Soup and stew season indeed! Kudos, Bette.

    Liked by 1 person

  3. February Writing Prompt from Diana Peach | Bette A. Stevens, Maine Author said:
    02/04/2019 at 10:13 am

    […] the Seasons—ready for publication. I invite you to take a peek at a sampling of haiku from the Winter Tales chapter. I’m looking for a few ARC reader/reviewers for pre-publication blurbs by […]

    Like

  5. Micki Peluso said:
    01/18/2019 at 1:25 pm

    Can’t wait. It will be beautifully done. Say a quick prayer please. Having chest pains on Holiday weekend with no good Dr’s in ER, and a snow, sleet bitter cold storm back to back. Many of my kids/ grand kids will be driving in it. Love you Micki

    Like

  6. Colleen Chesebro said:
    01/08/2019 at 10:22 pm

    Lovely Haiku, Bette. Congratulations. ❤

    Like

  7. Christy B said:
    01/08/2019 at 1:19 pm

    Beautiful words, Bette. I’ve never been to Maine but hear it’s stunning. Exciting to hear about the upcoming collection 🙂 Happy new Year!

    Like

    • Bette A. Stevens said:
      01/08/2019 at 7:52 pm

      Thanks so much for your thoughtful note, Christy. I’m still working on pulling the collection together and hope to find a few early (pre-publication) readers willing to offer review blurbs for back cover etc. Let me know if you are interested. I would be honored to have your feedback. ❤ May your new year be bright and beautiful!

      Like

  8. roughwighting said:
    01/07/2019 at 7:27 am

    YES, I can feel the cold crisp Maine air and see the beauty, through your poetry.

    Like

  9. Micki Peluso said:
    01/06/2019 at 5:33 pm

    Reblogged this on mallie1025.

    Like

  10. dgkaye said:
    12/19/2018 at 7:58 pm

    Congrats on your upcoming release Bette. Beauitful! ❤

    Like

  11. Smorgasbord - Variety is the Spice of Life. said:
    12/19/2018 at 4:23 am

    Reblogged this on Smorgasbord Blog Magazine and commented:
    Bette A Stevens has a new Haiku collection coming soon and here is poem from the book…

    Like

  12. Susi Bocks said:
    12/16/2018 at 7:37 pm

    Congratulations on your first publication of poetry, Bette!! So happy for you!

    Like

  13. mommynificent said:
    12/04/2018 at 9:26 pm

    I always love your haiku poems! Thanks for sharing this at Booknificent Thursday on Mommynificent.com!
    Tina

    Like

  14. Jacqui Murray said:
    12/03/2018 at 10:45 am

    If I didn’t know how dastardly Maine’s cold is, you’d inspire me to visit. But I don’t know if I cold get beyond it. Well, it’s about 42 there right now, not much colder than California. Hmm…

    Like

    • Bette A. Stevens said:
      12/03/2018 at 3:15 pm

      Dressing in layers is key to combating the cold…and of course, a nice fire to keep us warm when we get inside. Forty-two sure is COLD for CALIFORNIA. We saw a foot snow in the High Desert our first CA Christmas, but it disappeared by noon. Our CA days, we dressed in layers to and always had jacket/sweaters handy in case when the sun went down. Loved those navy blue night skies… Wonders abound wherever we may be! ❤ Wishing you and your a lovely Christmas, Jacqui!

      Like

  15. sharonkconnell said:
    12/02/2018 at 9:31 am

    Beautiful, as usual.

    Like

  16. Lucy Nix said:
    12/01/2018 at 9:18 pm

    Hi Sis,
    Love your poetry and Love the memories of the New England winters from a long ago childhood. Can’t wait till you get your Poetry book published. Best wishes on your endeavor! Merry CHRISTmas and Happy Holidays!!!

    Like

    • Bette A. Stevens said:
      12/02/2018 at 10:11 pm

      Thanks so much for your visit and for your lovely note, Sis! ❤ Sending lots of love and wishing you a blessed and beautiful Christmas and New Year! xoxoxo

      Like

  17. D. Wallace Peach said:
    12/01/2018 at 10:18 am

    These are so beautiful, Bette. Each one paints a picture of the Maine winter so vividly inside my imagination. They make me long for snow. 🙂

    Like

  18. Tracy Campbell said:
    11/30/2018 at 7:26 pm

    I sure am looking forward to your book coming out, Bette. Will you be including your wonderful photos like the beautiful one portrayed in this post? I tried to respond the other day from my phone. But my phone wouldn’t let me into your comment section. LOL

    Like

    • Bette A. Stevens said:
      11/30/2018 at 8:07 pm

      Thanks so much for taking time to visit and for your lovely comments, Tracy. ❤ I'm trying to put together a photo collage for each season… ❤ Blessings and love, dear friend. xo

      Like

  19. cmartzloff said:
    11/30/2018 at 6:50 am

    Love your verses. They paint a picture that I resonate with. I love Maine but haven’t been there in awhile. Thank you for bringing me a little closer.

    Like

  20. Molly Stevens - Shallow Reflections said:
    11/30/2018 at 5:56 am

    Lovely, Bette. Yup. That’s my Maine, too!

    Like

  21. amreade said:
    11/29/2018 at 3:16 pm

    Beautiful! I could read haiku all day. I’ve never been to Maine, but someday I’ll get there.

    Like

    • Bette A. Stevens said:
      11/29/2018 at 8:20 pm

      Hi, Amy. Thanks so much for stopping by and for your lovely words of encouragement. ❤ My Maine journey began decades ago when my husband and I would come every July for our family vacations. We'd camp on the land his grandparents had a farm that burned down in 1947. He purchased the land from the family in the 60s–that's when my love affair with a rural land and its people began. Hope you'll get to visit it someday! Wishing you a winter filled with wonders and Holiday Blessings to last through the New Year and beyond. xo

      Liked by 1 person

  22. -Eugenia said:
    11/29/2018 at 10:12 am

    Reblogged this on BrewNSpew.

    Like

  23. -Eugenia said:
    11/29/2018 at 10:11 am

    Bette, you capture the seasons through your poetry superbly! Sharing. ❤️

    Like

  24. Annette Rochelle Aben said:
    11/29/2018 at 9:54 am

    Maine should name you their Poet Laureate! Beautiful words… Makes me feel as though I am right there. ❤

    Liked by 1 person

    • Bette A. Stevens said:
      11/29/2018 at 6:41 pm

      Dear Annette,

      Your lovely note touched my heart… ❤

      Sending a bushel of wishes for a winter filled with wonders to you and yours!

      Hugs and love,

      Bette

      Like

  25. macjam47 said:
    11/29/2018 at 8:33 am

    Reblogged this on BOOK CHAT and commented:
    Bette Stevens’ sampling of stanzas from her Winter Tales section of her upcoming book of poetry, MY MAINE, Haiku Through the Seasons, paints an idyllic winter scene. So find your cozy spot and grab a cup of hot chocolate and enjoy these lovely haiku.

    Like

  26. macjam47 said:
    11/29/2018 at 8:23 am

    Oh Bette, this is lovely! We have perfectly captured what winter should be in your haiku string. It’s the winter of my dreams. Love and hugs, my dear friend. ❤️🤗❤️

    Like

  27. watchingthedaisies said:
    11/29/2018 at 7:29 am

    You always write so beautifully Bette. Best wishes for publication.

    Like

  28. Eric Alagan said:
    11/29/2018 at 2:20 am

    Love all the haiku, Bette.

    Filled with little poetic stories.

    Good luck with your anthology,
    Eric

    Like

  29. Tea With Jennifer said:
    11/29/2018 at 1:20 am

    What a beautiful picture you paint with your words Bette! ♥ Blessings,
    Jennifer

    Like

  30. robbiesinspiration said:
    11/28/2018 at 10:59 pm

    A gorgeous poem, Bette.

    Like

  31. jjspina said:
    11/28/2018 at 3:22 pm

    Lovely Haiku, Bette! Thanks for sharing! 🤗😘

    Like

  32. Janice Spina said:
    11/28/2018 at 3:20 pm

    Lovely Haiku, Bette! Thanks for sharing! 😘🤗🎄

    Like

  33. Natalie Ducey said:
    11/28/2018 at 2:39 pm

    A joy to read, Bette, as always. Beautiful. XO

    Like

  34. D.L Finn, Author said:
    11/28/2018 at 11:41 am

    You captured this season so vividly and perfectly Bette! I enjoyed reading them with all the images coming to mind:)

    Like

  35. balroop2013 said:
    11/28/2018 at 11:09 am

    Your winter tales are heart-warming Bette. I am looking forward to your first poetry book. Wishing you a lovely winter watch through the windows. Stay blessed!

    Like

    • Bette A. Stevens said:
      11/28/2018 at 5:08 pm

      Thanks so much, Balroop. We had a pair of Cardinals and three Blue Jays adding lovely flashes of color among the winter branches during this week’s storm. The wonders never cease… Wishing you a lovely winter too, my friend. May your blessings abound! ❤ xo

      Liked by 1 person

  36. DutchIl said:
    11/28/2018 at 10:49 am

    Lovely words and again thank you for allowing me to see your part of the universe through your eyes!! a wonderful world it is, no doubt!!.. especially during the holidays… 🙂

    “The life I touch for good or ill will touch another life, and that in turn another, until who knows where the trembling stops or in what far place my touch will be felt.” Frederick Buechner

    Like

    • Bette A. Stevens said:
      11/28/2018 at 5:15 pm

      Thanks so much for your thoughtful note, Larry. Wonders abound no matter the season. How blessed we all are and how important it is to spread kindnesses whenever we can and wherever we may be. Thanks for sharing yours with me. 🙂

      Like

  37. Billy Ray Chitwood said:
    11/28/2018 at 10:21 am

    Such a lovely sampling! ♥

    Like

  38. Annika Perry said:
    11/28/2018 at 9:59 am

    Bette, thank you for sharing some of your winter haikus; they’ve so lifted my spirits and I’m smiling in anticipation of the new season! Your sense of wonder and joy in winter shines through! Wishing you best of luck and enjoyment with the final edits and formatting – can’t wait to read all about your Maine throughout the seasons early next year! hugs xx

    Like

  39. Jill Weatherholt said:
    11/28/2018 at 9:34 am

    I agree with Miriam,
    “Soups, stews and chowders
    Stories told round the table
    Favored winter fare”
    so perfect on this 18 degree morning! Beautiful, Bette!

    Like

  40. delphini510 said:
    11/28/2018 at 9:25 am

    Bette, you give such a spontaneous and real feel to winter arriving at your beloved
    Maine. I can sense it all and recognise a lot from where I grew up.
    I wish you all success with your first poetry book. 💕 .

    Had to quote one stanza that made me feel warm this cold day.
    ”
    Soups, stews and chowders
    Stories told round the table
    Favored winter fare ”

    Miriam

    Liked by 1 person

  41. Mae Clair said:
    11/28/2018 at 9:08 am

    I love seeing Maine through your eyes, Bette.
    Absolutely beautiful! I’m looking forward to the entire collection 🙂

    Like

Leave a reply to Bette A. Stevens Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Tag Cloud