Thursday, December 12, 2013

What Flavor are Your Snowflakes?



Remember when
snowflakes
came in our favorite flavors—

running to catch them
on our tongues,
delighted smiles
on our faces?

Mine’s peppermint!
MmmGrandma’s peanut brittle!
I got egg nog!
Cinnamon!

Catching them in our hands,
licking the

dark chocolate-orange,
licorice,
sugar plum
flakes

drifting
and catching in hollows

where mittens
dipped
and
lifted
and
savored

in the perfect snow globe
of our imaginations.

Do you think we’re meant to
carry those wishes
with us
as we grow?
And as we grow,
that they should grow too?

Imagine—

clean water
filling hollows,
a fresh well
for life.

But that’s my flavor,
what’s in your snow globe?





2.5 billion people in the world do not have access to adequate sanitation.  That’s one in three of the world's population.  Poor water/sanitation/hygiene is the second leading cause of death in children under the age of 5 in the world, sub-Saharan Africa being the top affected region.

Statistics and information:

I can’t personally vouch for any of these organizations/charities as far as donations and outcome.  I’m doing research myself for our family to get involved.  Here’s to impacting our world with our dreams.  Happy Holidays!

17 comments:

Helen said...

What's in my snow globe ~~ a most intriguing question. This is beautifully written!!

Mary said...

Oh, this is so very thought provoking. We do so often take sanitation for granted. Your poem opens my eyes!

Brian Miller said...

nice...love that the snow flakes have flavors...i want mine to be egg nog...ha....there is an innocence in this that is refreshing...and i think some we should carry into adulthood...fresh water...did you know only 3% of the earths water is fresh...

Peggy said...

Yes I have seen this in visiting various parts of the world--such a basic need. I also love the game you played with the flavors of the snowflakes!! I had not heard of this since I did not grow up in a place where it snowed. Love the idea though. Thanks for sharing.

janetld said...

What an imagination you had as a child, it sounds like (and I'm not surprised!).

"Do you think we’re meant to carry those wishes with us?" I imagine so!

Great twist toward the end - the clean water. And thanks for the information. Ironically, just the other day, I was thinking about what a good donation clean water would be. I'll check out your links. :)

Gabriella said...

I like the idea of snowflakes having flavors and remember trying to catch them with my tongue. You are right, we take water for granted, despite its scarcity for some people.

Optimistic Existentialist said...

This is very beautifully written and also very eye-opening and thought provoking. Thanks for making me think this morning :)

Sarav said...

Hi Jennifer, didn't grow up with snow, would have loved to play that game with you! I wish for clean water too, it's incredible what a difference can be made. Good luck with your research :-)

HisFireFly said...

love this
love your heart
and your spirit of giving
we, who are so blessed, must bless

Panchali said...

That was beautifully descriptive..lovely imagery! It was like watching a little girl running and playing around with snow flakes..awesome!

Wendy Bourke said...

This is just lovely. And the ending - perfect. Sometimes the world needs a little magic and childlike optimism that wishes can come true!

Anonymous said...

Jennifer, check out what Hurley is doing at @hurley_H20 and @wavesforwater - very good international work with respect to water. ~

Unknown said...

Such a fun childhood game! I remember trying to catch the snowflakes, but never gave them flavors. What a great cause for your family to get involved in.

Geraldine said...

what a delightful poem! and what great memories it brought to mind.

aspiritofsimplicity said...

we are having a snowstorm as I type this comment...it looks like a snow globe out my window

Kathe W. said...

love the idea of flavored snowflakes. I wish everyone had clean water. Water is becoming more and more an issue around the world. Don't waste a drop!

Wolfsrosebud said...

ah, this is so refreshing... maybe I'll look at our latest snowfall just a little differently