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

[D. Mansfield]

Conflict everywhere, it makes it a difficult time to celebrate anything, but for the birth our Lord, exceptions will be made. Great writing

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks DM. I appreciate your thoughts. Hope all is ok in your world.

Chris

[Perdition]

There is this haunting gratitude I know all too well but you've sweetly sprinkled the colors and placed us in a glorious but all too silent memory through the grace of your own...perhaps. For me, it hits quite far too close to home in a very different way. The poet asks for nothing and yet has us almost in tears looking into the flames of a log ablaze and memories that you can hear, yet there she stays grateful while the world explodes around her. Beautiful Chris...I always have the vision of this snowflake drifting from the clouds or perhaps the scent of water on a soft breeze when I read your poetry...it's terrible..lol. You know it's amazing. I don't have to tell you I'm sure it's something you know but thank you so much for such a sad and wonderful read. Happy Holidays~

[Chris Shaw]

Happy holidays Joseph and thank you for leaving such a lovely review. Pleased you stopped by to grace my page. All the best to you.

[Sami Khalil]

You are a poetess indeed and a wise soul; no truer words are said. Gratitude shows how thankful we are for the Almighy and all his gifts.
Spread them around, bless others.

[Chris Shaw]

A lovely review Sami. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts. I appreciate your visit.

Chris

[Sami Khalil]

You are welcome Chris.

[Neville]

if the world had more people in it that were grateful for what they have got, it would be a much happier and indeed safer place .. unfortunately, by and large it is those who have plenty and want more that and don't care how they get it that sticks in my craw .. it seems I am not the only one who values things with little or no monetary value .. I am about to leave here with one of those old Ready Breck warm glow feelings ....... Neville

[Chris Shaw]

Loving that ready brek glow. You do like your porridge don’t you:) You can’t buy happiness. No amount of money will buy that. Pleased we share similar values. The rich get richer:( Thank you my friend. Hope your first shift back wasn’t too taxing.

Chris

[Neville]

I rarely set off without a good bowl full of jumbo oats inside me .. I did not enjoy my 1st or 2nd shift back one little bit .. but hey ho .. Neville

[John the Baptist]

Some spiritual traditions state gratitude can actually bring abundance into your life.

[Chris Shaw]

You are so right John. Thank you for stopping by and leaving your thoughts. All the best.
read moreYou are so right John. Thank you for stopping by and leaving your thoughts. All the best.

Chris

[Patricia Wedel]

dear Chris… the Chill of Winter is a Time for enjoying the sound of Silver Bells that play the Songs of Yuletide blessings. Your poetry is a Sleigh of Gifts for young and old. Wishing you the Best Season where Mistletoe kisses bring ❤️ Love and blessings. Softly, Pat

[Chris Shaw]

Such a beautiful poetic and seasonal review dear Pat. Lovely thoughts. Thank you so much. All good wishes to you and yours.

Chris

[schlanks]

I love the contrast of the last stanza, laying the peace of your smaller personal picture over the overwhelming existentialism of the bigger picture. A nice read.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you schlanks for stopping by to review. Much appreciated.

Chris

[June bug]

Oh HOW I LOVED that last stanza, so very true, This is amazing.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you June bug. I appreciate your thoughts.

Chris

[Stella Armour]

we have so many blessings to be grateful for in our safe country, and home comforts at this time of year are to be thought of as gifts and treasured ..

[Chris Shaw]

We do have much to be thankful for Stella. So many have nothing. Thank you my friend.

Chris

[DIVYA]

Gratitude is so beautiful a feeling in itself. Here, you wrap it in a beautiful description of your home, as you view it in moments of quiet contemplation from a distance, a corner. Dear Chris, I love this poem and share your feelings. In this destructive, war torn world, we're living in peace and bountiful with our loved ones. What greater joy than to see them happy. Be happy with them. As always, you pen your thoughts so completely and richly.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you dear Divya, for your very generous review. We are preparing for Christmas and yet the horrors of conflict can’t escape my mind. There is little I can do, but I can count my blessings while I pray for peace. Your review is a blessing itself. Take care.

Chris 🌹

[DIVYA]

You're most welcome, dear Chris.
Indeed, this Christmas will be one in which our prayers will extend to include all those millions who are suffering. Yet, we must be grateful too. I hope you enjoy the Christmas preparations with your family. Sending you the warmest wishes for a wonderful day. ❤