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

[An owl on the moon]

There is much to be grateful for... truly. And yes, much that distracts us from our blessings... and giving thanks. It does take all our strength to keep focused... to live in that fulness. Thank you for words that bring us back to that place of peace.

[Chris Shaw]

I appreciate your visit Craig and your thoughts. Thank you for stopping by.

Chris .

[Desert Knave]

Sometimes it is difficult to remember to count our blessings (I do an annual Blessings Jar and it hasn't seen many noted added to it). Thought-provoking write. ~Jim

[Chris Shaw]

I appreciate your visit Jim and your thoughts. There are many people who are having a tough time at the moment, if you are one of those I wish you better days ahead and your Blessings Jar gets some added notes soon. Many thanks for stopping by.

Chris

[Michael Sun Bear]

You paint such a lovely picture I wish to be there with you. I have recently met individuals living on the streets, people dealing with individual demons, and yes those of us lucky enough to have such a home where we can feel such peace are truly blessed.

[Chris Shaw]

It is really tough for people living on the streets Michael and I know that having a home and garden is something they can only dream about. Everyone deserves a decent home to call their sanctuary. Your review is lovely and I thank you.

Chris

[red93]

Lovely achieved contrasting between the warm reassurances of home, and the vexed and conflicted state of the Wider World, riven and divided by wars and strife. Exceptional ✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks for your continued encouragement Tony. Know you are appreciated. Pleased you enjoyed. read moreMany thanks for your continued encouragement Tony. Know you are appreciated. Pleased you enjoyed.

Chris

[Pete]

comforting thoughts in a tumultuous world. we all need to do more of that kind of counting. love the descriptions of your surroundings and abode. spunds like you have the right recipe. well done.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Pete. Pleased you enjoyed my surroundings. I know that I am fortunate. So many have nothing. All the best.

Chris

[RomaJ]

Chris, Counting Blessings gently reminds us how small, quiet moments of home and family can anchor us amid a turbulent world. I love the way you weave the sensory details: the fairy lights, the lanterns, the laughter of children--against the backdrop of winter and the broader chaos outside.

The contrast between the warmth and light of your home and the harshness of the world makes the gratitude feel both intimate and profound.

This poem is a beautiful meditation on finding peace and joy even when the world feels unsteady.

[Chris Shaw]

Your warm words on this poem are very much appreciated. I love your reviews RomaJ, you really get inside the poems. Big thanks.

Chris

[John Sullivan]

Wonderful writing. It's important to remember how good we've got it in the first world, however imperfect our respective countries may be.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you John, I appreciate your kind review. I agree we have far more than so many in this world. I certainly count my blessings.

Chris

[FGFRANKLIN]

I saw a video of a woman from war ravaged Ukraine and her family had lost everything, house, car and all their other possessions ruined by fire, water and smoke. She said, "We used to go shopping all the time, always needing more, buying more stuff, stuff we didn't even use. But this made us realize all we really need is each other." They were living in their burned out car. It made gratitude seem so easy, just to be thankful for life and peace. We should all count our blessings. I enjoyed the read.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you for sharing that experience Fabian. We need very little to survive really and friends and family are right at the top of that list. Happy Wednesday.

Chris

[Davidgeo]

You are accepting, and even pleasant to people in spite of things. You give more than you take I think. You Jesus yourself a little. It's a good trait to find in other people, most of us are jerks either obviously or not.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you for noticing. I do try my best. I appreciate your words.

Chris
read moreThank you for noticing. I do try my best. I appreciate your words.

Chris

[Dave Brown]

sometimes it is difficult to see the blessings but hopefully they will always be there

[Chris Shaw]

Inside the confines of my home and garden, it is easy to count my blessings. Beyond that, more difficult when you look at the overall picture. All good wishes Dave for 2024. I hope it is kind to you and yours and a big thank you for the review.

Chris

[Dave Brown]

& 2U 2