I was lighting the candle
On the wreath today,
The one you assembled
Erst you went away.
It got me to thinking
What a year I have had.
It's not been the greatest.
I came over all sad.
I shed a few tears,
Well, a small inland lake.
Then patted them dry
Did a quick double take.
I gave to myself
A stern talking to.
And made a few promises
Took a new point of view
I'll think only of joyous things
The gifts in my life,
Lest I go at my wrists
With a blunt, rusty knife.
Whoops, a bit of a backslide
Now forward I go
With a brilliant new list
Things that make my heart glow.
A long happy marriage
To one that I love.
Three healthy children
Sent from above.
A huge happy family
To whom I have turned
On the many occasions
That I've crashed and burned.
The honour to live
In a beautiful land.
Last, a wonderful life
Which was mostly unplanned.
Ah, the end of my list
At last we are here
With a heart that is happy
And full of good cheer.
Joining in with Verse first, at Poets United
http://poetryblogroll.blogspot.co.uk
There is an element of self deprecation in this that makes it feel all the more honest..maybe not such a bad year after all?
ReplyDeleteWell you've seen through me. Not the greatest, but when you think of what is going on in the world and the fact I have control of my life, I can't complain.
DeleteThe end rings hope! :)
ReplyDeleteOh yes, it does. There is always hope.
Deletea struggle is a heavy weight to carry but hope lightens the load... loved the poem and the theme ...
ReplyDeleteThanks Robert, can you tell I started it in a miserable mood and finished it when I was more cheerful?
Delete"Lest I go at my wrists
ReplyDeleteWith a blunt, rusty knife."
That is just priceless!
I have a sick sense of humour, what can I say!
DeleteWow, the scenery alone would keep me utterly euphoric!!!!! SPECTACULAR! I enjoyed this poem which turned itself from sad to grateful by the closing stanzas..........
ReplyDeleteSherry, I am truly blessed, by week I live in a beautiful city but life can be stressful in the city, however beautiful, at the weekend I have a little place in this valley and as I drive into the valley and see the Jungfrau and her sister mountains I can feel the stress oozing away. Now I definitely know I need a slap for feeling miserable.
DeleteI would name that lake. And still enjoy the blessings.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely enjoying the blessings.
DeleteA beautiful poem ... life can never be perfect, but we can make life happy :-)
ReplyDeleteVery true words.
DeleteThat's the ticket ...make the best of it. Although granted sometimes it is hard to do. Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteOh that phrase reminds me of one of my dearest friends. I feel slightly ashamed, I am already blessed and should not even think about moaning. Have a lovely Christmas.
DeleteI feel your struggle here. But ultimately, you do make the best of it--and I am glad for you!
ReplyDeleteThanks Audrey, doesn't everyone have that internal struggle, and a few years in their lifetime that just don't pass by fast enough? Still nearly there now!
DeletePealogic,
ReplyDeleteA realistic poem, which has great honesty within. That could apply to many, when we reflect back over our year and our lives. Good points and even points to erase...Hope you will have a great end of year and all good wishes for 2014:)
Eileen
Eileen, what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. Have a lovely Christmas too.
Delete'I'll think only of joyous things
ReplyDeleteThe gifts in my life,' ~ love this words.
But not so joyous things teach us something too, so we could say thanks to our enemies (as said one classic) ~ New Year Cheers :)
Thanks and yes, we can learn from the unpleasant and nasty things. Enjoy the seaon of goodwill
DeleteNo point in going down the road of regrets at Christmas time.
ReplyDeleteKerry, no point going there any time. Have a good Christmas.
Deletei love this candle-light ending....Merry Christmas and a happy new year....
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas to you as well, Sumana, see you virtually in the new year if not before.
DeleteBeautiful poetry..life is like that..a kaleidoscope of sorrow, happiness and finally hope ..:-)..
ReplyDeleteWish you to have a great year ahead..:-)
Hello Maniparna
DeleteLife is certainly like that.
Next year I am taking control, so it should be better, at least if it isn't it will be my fault.
I hope all will be great for you too.
Ciao
Realizing the goodness in simple things in life eluded many. One is blessed in extending gratitude in as many times as possible. Nicely penned Pealogic!
ReplyDeleteHank
Hank, there is real joy in simple things, sometimes we need to stop and remember. I don't do that enough. Have a lovely Christmas.
DeleteThe whole year so beautifully described in words. After all that is life "you never know and you are never sure" .Thank you for sharing , wish you have a wonderful year ahead.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes
Ankita
Ankita, you are right, life is never certain, so you need to try and enjoy it. Have a great Christmas time.
DeleteI could feel your journey but, with the New Year comes of shift as you enjoy more of what life has to offer. Peace to you...
ReplyDeleteI think it is more a new mindset thing rather than a new year. The approaching new year does increase reflection.
DeleteLove the heaviness and lightness combined into one poem!
ReplyDeleteJeanne, thanks it felt right to cheer things up.
Delete