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

[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. ❤