Hello wonderful word wizards! Welcome to the Q!
This is your last opportunity of the year to write and share a Quadrille with our dVerse community. A friendly reminder that your poem should be exactly 44 words, sans title and must contain the given word or a derivative.
Here in my little southern nook of Ontario, winter has made itself known again. How quickly we forget! I love our distinct four seasons, each one bringing change and demanding some adjustment to our lives. However, winter has a way of not only changing my wardrobe, but also my mood. It makes me want to hibernate.
In Zoology, to “hibernate” is to spend the winter in close quarters in a dormant condition, as bears and certain other animals. As humans, it can be defined as withdrawal, to remain in seclusion or to winter in a place with a milder climate. Are you a hibernator?
The word originates from the Latin word, “hiems“, meaning “winter”. Some other related words include:
“hibernare – a verb meaning “to pass the winter”
“hibernus” – an adjective meaning “of winter” or “wintry”.
“hibernaculum” – a noun for a winter shelter or place of hibernation
“hiberna” – refers to a winter camp or quarters, especially for soldiers
As humans, we may consider hibernation as avoidance, isolation and inactivity but in small doses, it can be a much needed haven for healing, reflection and renewal. A temporary break from the chaos of life and the world can restore energy, insight, and hope.
So before I have you slipping into a deep sleep with my ramblings, pen me a poem using the word hibernate or any other form of the word highlighted in the prompt.
Here’s how to join in:
- Write a quadrille and post it on your blog or website.
- Enter your name and direct link to your poem in Mr. Linky.
- Follow the links to other poets. Read, comment and come back for more as the prompt is open all week.
- Kindly provide a link to dVerse so others can find us too.
- Drop into the pub to say hello.
- Enjoy!!


Greetings poets. It is hard to believe another year is coming to an end. I am so thankful for our little virtual pub of peace and poetry. Thank you for inspiring me. A special thank you to Bjorn and Grace for their leadership and organization as we continue to grow together in the dVerse community. Cheers!
Fresh out the oven today, I have whipped shortbread cookies, snicker-doodle blondies and classic Canadian butter tarts. Maybe I can interest you in a peppermint hot cocoa or warm apple cider. Enjoy the poetry trail!
thank you Mish – loved the prompt but nothing from the bar despite such a delicious offering
Hi Laura! 🙂
Thanks, Mish, for hosting! I want to wish all who celebrate Christmas a most blessed and happy one. Hate to grab a shortbread cookie and run, but I’ll be back later to catch y’all up on the poetry trail.
Thank you for the Christmas wishes. I’ve packed up a few cookies to go!
I truly would live to be able hibernate… and though my name means bear I do lack that ability.
Hi Bjorn…how interesting! The Bear is also a clan in Native American culture. The word in Ojibway is “makwa”, recognized as a protector or healer. Maybe you are too busy with that to hibernate. 🙂
I don’t know… it is an old Viking name… You may also be named after the wolf or the snake. I think it was more a sign of getting the strenght of that animal.
Aha… the strength of a bear would be great.
Hello Mish and All. Your treats all sound tasty, may I have one of each, please? I’ve got my hot cuppajoe beside me already and am getting ready to gear up for snowblowing.
Oh my, Lisa! You must have more snow than we do. You will need one of each for some energy. Be safe out there.
❤ Thanks, and Cheers!
Mish I added some pics (and a song) to the end of the post so you can see what we have (and to lullaby those who have insomnia.)
Mish,
Thanks for the fun prompt. It was perfect for a gray, rainy winter day.
Hi Ali…thanks for joining in. 🙂
Hi. I don’t have a blog or website. Can I still enter?
Hi Rosie, thanks for coming by. You would need to have a blog or website to post your poetry on. Then you could link it up here. Perhaps that will be something you’d like to try out. We’d be happy to have you join in if you decide to set up a blog. 🙂
A Canadian Butter Tart ~ I must sample ~ with warm cider please. Your Spirit Animal may be the Kermode Bear, Mish.
I wish you peace, joy, good health and love in the coming New Year!!!
Hi Helen….yes, you must try a butter tart if you haven’t. A Canadian treat coming your way! I love the idea of having a spirit animal and would be honoured if it was a Kermode Bear. How beautiful.
Thank you. Wishing you all good things in the coming year!
Hi Mish!👋🏻 I am grateful for you and all of our dVerse friends! I’ll have a snicker-doodle blondie (or two).
Aww, how sweet. My feelings exactly. dVerse has meant a lot to me.
Two snicker doodle blondies coming up. Enjoy!
Thanks for the prompt, Mish.
In an Aussie summer here, I’ve already been out to a pre-xmas lunch with friends (thankfully a somewhat cooler day today) and we drank champagne – so I’ll just wave and blow a kiss to everyone at the pub here for Season’s Greetings.
Waving back to you, Rosemary. Thanks for stopping in. 🙂
A prompt for this moment, on every conceivable level in my view, many thanks Mish.
Hi Paul! You’re welcome. 🙂 Thanks for joining in.
Boom – Shared! Thank you for the challenge/inspiration.
Hi Willy. Thanks for sharing your work!
Thanks for the opportunity
There are any strange and wonderful ways to consider this prompt — here is one from my perspective… 😉
Hi Rob….and I always enjoy your perspective. Enjoy the poetry trail. 🙂
Thanks for hosting, Mish. Glad I could get in on the final Q for the year–and on those tasty offerings! Peppermint cocoa with whipped cream, please, and I definitely need to try a classic Canadian butter tart! Thanks again to Bjorn and Grace and all here at dVerse for a wonderful poetic year~
Hello Jennifer! So glad you joined in. One hot cocoa on the way. I don’t think you will be disappointed with the butter tart! 🙂
A love quadrille! 🙂