Counting Blessings

when i walk in winter’s garden
past a cypress and green ivy
down to where old seating’s lonely
in a corner in the dark
there i turn to face the red brick
of my home and on the decking
fairy lights look so inviting
lifts the spirits soothes the heart

hanging from the beams are lanterns
table covered potted planting
seasonal in reds and silvers
festive dressing our delight
where our young ones like to mingle
where their laughter echoes loudly
cold air cheered while breath condenses
wrapped in layers stars shine bright

count my blessings I am grateful
for the gifts of all i’m given
in a world that’s rocked by conflict
marred by death destroyed the light
where destruction and division
blitzes flesh and hopes for future
all while logs inside our burner
blaze and spread their warmth at night

Reviews

[Betty Hermelee]

You're very lucky to be inside with the warmth of your family....because as we all know, outside is scary, frightful in these times, not only in Europe and the Middle East, but her in America, we are scared, worried,lost.....that we may face a dictator....where to go?? where to flee? leave our families? its' gastly here....but today is Xmas and I will try to be cheerful.... pray for happier times.....
Have a marvelous holiday
Warmly, B

[Chris Shaw]

When life gets scary, I stay really close to family and home. I try to shut the unpleasant out. Thank you dear Betty for sharing your thoughts. This past year has been horrible. Let’s hope 2024 is an improvement.

Chris

[Betty Hermelee]

I agree Chris, but I still feel as if America is headed for a disaster….and I’m not alone….read moreI agree Chris, but I still feel as if America is headed for a disaster….and I’m not alone….
Have a very happy New Year with lots of joy!
Warmly B

[Chris Shaw]

Same to you Betty. The UK isn’t that far behind:(

[Crowley]

I am thankful right along side. Feeling lucky and sad this year with so many have an atrocious time. Been reflective and grateful. You have put it to rights in this wonderful piece.
Merry Christmas and happy New Year Chris!!!

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Crowley. I had a wonderful Christmas and hope you did too . I appreciate you stopping by.

Chris

[Soren]

Chris this one contains so many nice feelings from the message itself to the rhyme scheme that you chose. It reads with the gratitude that we all should have throughout the year, not just at this time. I really love the rhyme in this poem it is so subtle yet flows so well.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Soren for such a positive review. All the best to you at Christmas.

Chris

[Soren]

Thank you Chris Merry Christmas to you as well

[jacob erin-cilberto]

It is so wonderful to read someone who is counting blessings, and being grateful for what he or she has, rather than lamenting what that person does not.
Just to be alive is a blessing...even with all that is going on in the world...Christmas might be the time
to stop, look at the pretty lights...and let them shine into our hearts.
j.

[Chris Shaw]

Dear J, thank you for a beautiful review. It is a blessing to be alive despite the world being in conflict. Merry Christmas and the happiest of new years to you my friend.

Chris

[Andrew John]

Lovely feel of burning logs here close to us while we can think of what's out there. Nice one, Chris.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Andrew for stopping by. Merry Christmas.

Chris

[Ken e Bujold]

lovely poem Chris. Bright with images of joy that innoculate the heart against the dark forces we all know and dread about the globe.

merry Christmas my friend

ken

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Ken and a very merry Christmas to you and yours. Have fun.

Chris

[Weeping willow]

What a wonderful write as it brings memories alive in me of years gone by, when life was much sweeter and blessings were abound. Truly a lovely read ;-}

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Weeping willow, so pleased this poem brought you happy memories. Take care.

Chris

[Soren]

Chris what a wonderful holiday message. Gratefulness is often missing in this world, especially at this season, when greed and comercialism is at its height. Such calming and soothing words as well. Gratefulness is a foundation upon which happieness is formed. Wonderful words.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you for your lovely review Soren. Your words are very much appreciated.

Chris

[Melinda McQueen]

How great it is the celebrate the Lord even in the world we live in.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Melinda. I appreciate your thoughts. All good wishes to you and yours.

Chris

[NormaZ]

This poem made me smile, some light in dark times, we all need to see that. Thank you for your lovely poem reminding me of that.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Norma. I appreciate your thoughts.

Chris