A Surly Beast Fights Its Way Up the Snow-Covered Drive, Shovel in Hand, and Retreats into Its Den...
...to find the warmth and grace of the family interface though it be...
By C. Rommial ButlerPublished about a month ago • 1 min read
Edvard Munch: Snow Shovellers on the Building Site
Bitter, exhausted
Heart frozen with winter’s wrath
Melts in your embrace
About the Creator
C. Rommial Butler
C. Rommial Butler is a writer, musician and philosopher from Indianapolis, IN. His works can be found online through multiple streaming services and booksellers.
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Comments (15)
The most magical answer to an Indiana winter. ⚡🥶⚡
Uber-gorgeous! Go CRB! Happy 2026! 🥳
Wonderful haiku, Charles, very heartwarming <3
I remember that feeling very well and even from just viewing the image. Good job.
nice comparison with cold weather and a warm embrace
We do turn into surly beasts from either too much heat or cold....and either way, we love the embrace! A fitting haiku for the season, Charles!
Awww, this was so sweet. I loved it!
I love the contrast between the winter cold and that warming embrace :-)
Heartwarming through and through.
Well~Wrought old chum..! "Shovel?" - If I lived there the 1st thing I'd do is invest in a snowblower...but, the neighbors would always borrow it..Hmm! Happy New Year, Cr Jk.in, mosty sunny, l.a.
Beautiful, emotional, evocative. Lovely haiku all around, C.!
Awesome all around. Relatable for all those who haven't flown to warmer shores. It starts out comical with the title, but the ending is touching. "Bitter" had me cracking up, because my first read was "He's bitter because he's out there shoveling," but it also carries the dual meaning for "bitter cold." Really well done.
There is catharsis in shovelling… to a point, hey, dear friend? Beautiful haiku and an excellent painting to accompany it.
Melts in your embrace is a beautiful finish for your winter haiku, Rommi. I agree with with Tim’s observation as to why it works as well. I thought I knew most of the Munch canon but you proved me wrong with your selected painting.
You have a wonderful way of showing how much a little warmth can change everything.