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

[petec3638]

Christine

oh to wander down to that quiet corner of yours
To look back at all the festive glitter and lights

Prhaps hear the chatter and praps a song or carol

You mention of the terrible goings on
Brought me back to my days of national service
Where they practised for the day when the ultimate order may be given to annihilate the world with just one press of a button
a picture from this days news of whole towns systematically destroyed

For what?

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Peter, thank you for your thoughtful review. We do indeed live in a troubled world. Conflict ever present. Wishing you and yours a happy new year. I hope 2024 is kind to you.

Chris

[E.P. Robles]

I already understand. And what words you could take so much time --- it's queer! Just smile upon me!@ Love your words. Dear.

[E.P. Robles]

This poem, written in the voice of a professional poet and possibly influenced by psychological insights, reflects a nuanced exploration of contrasting themes: the tranquility and warmth of a winter garden juxtaposed against the harsh realities of a world plagued by conflict and destruction.

The imagery of the winter's garden, with the cypress, green ivy, and old seating in a lonely corner, sets a contemplative and somber tone. The act of turning to face the red brick home and the inviting fairy lights on the decking introduces a sense of contrast and transition. The fairy lights become a symbol of hope and solace, lifting the spirits and soothing the heart. This transition from darkness to light may resonate with Jungian ideas of individuation, where one confronts and integrates contrasting elements of the psyche to achieve a more harmonious and complete self.

The hanging lanterns, seasonal decorations in reds and silvers, and the festive atmosphere described in the subsequent stanzas create a vivid picture of joy and celebration. The presence of young ones, their laughter echoing loudly, and the cold air being cheered while breath condenses convey a sense of shared warmth and togetherness in the face of the winter chill. This communal celebration may reflect a collective unconscious yearning for connection and joy.

The poem takes a turn in the last stanza, where the poet counts their blessings and expresses gratitude for the gifts they have received. This gratitude is set against the backdrop of a world marked by conflict, death, and the destruction of light. The juxtaposition of personal warmth and communal joy with the harsh realities of the world outside evokes a poignant awareness of the fragility of life and the importance of finding solace in the midst of turmoil.

The mention of logs inside the burner blazing and spreading warmth at night serves as a powerful metaphor. The logs symbolize the inner resources, resilience, and shared humanity that provide comfort and light in the darkness of the external world.

Overall, this poem, as imagined from a mature poet with a nod to psychological insights, weaves together themes of contrast, transition, communal joy, and individual gratitude. It invites reflection on the interplay between personal and collective experiences, acknowledging both the beauty found in shared moments of warmth and the harsh realities that persist beyond the winter garden's confines.

[Chris Shaw]

Dear EPR, delighted to find this extensive review from you. Thank you kindly for the attention you have given to my poem. Wishing you and yours a happy 2024. Hoping it will be kind to you. All the best.

Chris

[E.P. Robles]

You are so welcome Chris. I adore your words too.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much. Will pay you a visit soon.

[andrew mitchell]

A lovely write Chris. Yes we can’t take anything for granted and old age is a gift not many make it.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you kindly Andrew. Wishing you a happy new year. Hope 2024 is kind to you and yours.

Chris

[andrew mitchell]

You too Chris. Tom Wilkinson died , a fav actor.

[Chris Shaw]

I know. He was a great actor. A sad loss Andrew.

[Chris Shaw]

Wise words will. I certainly appreciate my family more than ever when the world is full of ugly. My garden and home are my haven of peace. Thank you for your visit. All the best.

Chris

[willweb]

Often, we all should sit and acknowledge all of the good in our lives and forget the ugliness of the world, if only for a little while. Nicely said Chris.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you will. Just noticed, my earlier response to you didn’t land where it should have. So thank you again. Happy new year and all the best for 2024. Hope it is kind to you.

Chris

[Ken Simm.]

Know.... just what you mean in this lovely write. And I am grateful for what I've got but just a little more love and peace perhaps. .

[Chris Shaw]

Love and peace throughout the world would be quite something. In a year of conflict, I stay closer to home and family and try to block out the unpleasant. Many thanks Ken for sharing your thoughts.

Chris

[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