Monday, January 20, 2020

Warmth

20th January 2020

Well that's 2020 written for the  first time on the blog.

The year has started off slowly as we have been recovering from 
all the visiting we did over the Christmas.
 I think we're nearly there now.
 Nearly back to normal. 
Though what is normal?
And do I want it?
Is it best to keep well away from normal?
These questions don't keep me awake at night,
but they are floating about in that grey matter
where important stuff goes on.

First today I have an acrostic - January

January

Just look up, up at that sky with grey clouds edged by 
Almond flecks. And starlings,  black,  swooping
Now this way, now that, seemingly 
Unaware of the bitter cold of this winter evening.  They
Arrive in their flocks, perform their murmations, give us a 
Regal  show. Their  elegant  dance makes this
January day more bearable

 Image result for a free picture of starlings in murmuration






Warmth
What makes me feel warm inside?
I think of my grandmother.
It's the days leading up to Christmas.
She sits in front of  the range -for warmth
She picks up a turf sod lying in the basket
To feed the oven
I help her, pick up my own lump of turf
Turf that Uncle Timmy dug up the previous autumn
It feels hairy to the touch
not like the factory produced brickets, i think.
We take turns, my nan and I, to place a sod in the fire
without words we feed our story, make it rich.
The flames give a glow to her - already pink cheeks
When the roar tells us "enough for now",
She sits back, smiles, and for while, tells stories or tales of family
Long ago , linking the threads of shared Ancestors
Who brought us to this day.



                                  Image result for pictures of irish turf

2 comments :

  1. Hugs! It's good to see you, and i like your poem and acrostic.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you. Good to be back. Now I have to keep going.

      Delete

Please feel free to comment with advice and critique.