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

[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

[Jimmy Crapped Corn]

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