Writing Portfolio Task 2

Creative Writing – Lake Hawea

Statement of intent: I am intending on writing a piece of creative writing that explains the scene of Hawea on a winter morning. I am hoping to place the reader in the scene and create an image of what it would really look like. I will do this by using the senses of sight, smell, hear, feel and taste and using figurative language to describe the scene. 

It is winter, the modest township of Lake Hawea sleeps soundly, undisturbed by the coarse frost that has settled overnight. The small community at the bottom of the valley is overcome by a dangerous cold, threatening the loss of artistry among the streets. Towering trees are wielded with frozen blades of ice, brittle frost roughly cloaks the ground masking the delicate landscape. A suffocating fog is established in the vacant town, supported by a brutally crisp air that grasps each corner of the urban landscape. Behind the distant peaks, the rays of a golden sun begin to spill into the valley below, defending the town against the grim winter morning. 

Listen. Iridescent water laps against icy stones, clutching to the shore in pursuit of balance. Stiff leaves mummer to one another as they glide to an arctic demise. Footfalls of mice as they depart the frigid outdoors, in desperate desire of refuge. A tender breeze bounces off thin windows of silent homes, struggling to inform families of the vicious glaciation that awaits them. Ecstatic tones of early risen birds ring through the air as they notice the radiant sun beginning its endeavor to rescue the restful town of Hawea. 

It is Sunday morning. In a peaceful home, reserved and waiting, children dream. The walls are thick barriers, hiding the chilling horror that lingers behind. Under feathered warmth they lay, soft snores escaping their mouths, still and unaware in their innocent sleep. Down the hall, the parents slumber, content in their freedom from thundering children. The numbing concrete floor is like a frozen lake, startling the elderly cat that roams his residence. The serene town remains disrupted by layers of glaciation, but the cold begins to gently wilt away. A heavenly sun fends off the dreadful frost, beating down upon the small town to return elegance in the landscape. As life returns to Hawea, a woman emerges from her secure shelter. Wrapped in layers of comfort, she grips the lead of a galloping dog, struggling to keep balanced on an icy path. Undisturbed by the bitter cold that creeps behind him, the black labrador surges forward, thrilled to experience the rising sun and melting ice. His thick rugged hair provides a coat of warmth, guarding him against winter’s cold grip. Past small, snug houses surrounded by sweating ice, the woman and her companion roam, the first to encounter the staggering white landscape that has formed in hours. They are adventurers in an unexplored landscape, seeing a new town before them as they observe the silent frozen land. 

Look. Quivering frost conceals itself in the shadows, scrambling to escape the dominating daylight. The fogs calloused hands cling to the streets, struggling to keep its hold on the thawing town. Trembling ice fades off a frozen playground, promising to return. Snow capped mountains look down upon the humble town, jealous of the protecting sun. Lights shine in cozy homes, families sleepily prepare for the day, ignorant of the battle that has occurred to provide them with a sun-filled morning. 

And then you will wake, stretching in your soft, thermal bed. A wafting scent of your mother’s cooking floating down the hall, streaks of sunlight dancing in the windows, your lively tabby cat pawing the feathered duvet.  The reflection of an enchanting morning can be seen in your eyes as you catch sight in an open window, the lush landscape abloom with life, the lake made of glass, surrounded by vast ridges. You breathe in the chilled air, the final remembrance of the frozen morning that began.