Footprints in the snow
Lovers' kiss under the mistletoe
On the tree, the lights do shine
Once again, it is Christmas time
In the church, the sound of a choir
While up above, the moon climbs higher
Stockings hanging, gifts all wrapped
The sound of Santa, sleigh all stacked
Carrots for Rudolph, a sherry for Gran
A bottle of something for Uncle Stan
As midnight approaches, the world falls asleep
And in the morning, the snow will be deep
No more shopping; those socks will do
Nobody will guess what I got for you
As Christmas approaches, a new year awaits
Wise men wondering what stars hold their fate.
Did you see some Corgis playing in the snow in the above video? I wonder who they are?
I used the ‘Verse’ block rather than the paragraph block for my poem. I think it gives poetry a much better look on a blog post.
Do you use the ‘Verse’ block if you’re a poet and publish poetry on your blog?
I’m not a lover of poetry. It’s one of the most complex forms of writing that eludes me. Yet, ‘Footprints In The Snow’ was among my earliest posts on Hugh’s Views And News.
It got a few likes and comments, so I thought I’d give it another airing, given that my blog now has a broader audience.
Since ‘Footprints In The Snow’ was published in December 2014, my poetry cogs have remained frozen. Not even summer heatwaves have thawed them.
Poetry, quite simply, remains a mystery to me.
What do you find most challenging to write?
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Verse block? Oh heck and derision why did I not know this? I do write some poetry and I do publish some and yours looks far better than mine. Where would I be without H Roberts esq? Off I go after this, to rummage in the WP toolbox, ignore the spanner and hammer blocks and find it.
Poetry is hard. Like one commentator poetry comes to me. All other writing I can usually generate by sitting still and focusing on something but poetry doesn’t work like that (I don’t count limericks – you can squeeze them out). I think that might be because each word carries huge weight in poetry unlike any sort of prose. It’s the same issue with word limited flash and why I relish the 99 word challenges (because they allow just enough freedom to be wrong in one’s choices) but nothing shorter.
Is poetry the most difficult thing to write for me? No that’s writing for children. I have never felt like I know how to balance that – between permitting understanding and avoiding patronising.
And yours? Its a small delight. You need to work on the meter to make it scan better when you read it out loud but the sentiments and phrasing work in context.
Merry Xmas to you and John. Be lovely to find a way to meet up next year. Let’s see what the year holds.
I hope you found the ‘Verse’ block, Geoff. If not, search for it with the ‘block’ search bar.
Thank you for the information on poetry. I don’t think I’ll be writing anymore, although I probably should never say ‘never.’
I did read the poem out load several times, and I must admit that I thought the last line did not fit as well as the others did. I tried different versions, but the one I went with felt the best. I’m just glad that the poem in this post survived my nine years of not deleting it.
And thanks for sharing details of what you find the most difficult to write. I have written for Children and been told I should have written a children’s book, but I lack the interest to do so.
Merry Christmas to you and the family. Hopefully, see you sometime in 2024.
Yes found it! Now I just need to work out how to change the font…
You’ll find that information in the settings section of the block on the righthand side of the drafts page.
You’re a national treasure
Fascinating and great blog post Hugh. Oh man, Christmas is 5 days away and that is an indicator that the year has finished.
I love the poem by the way man and yes the jingle bells and Christmas lights and decorations are a sign that Xmas is already here. Wishing you a Merry Festive Season🔥🌲🌲🍾💯💯🎂
Thank you. I’m glad you enjoyed reading my bit of festive poetry, Mthobisi.
Seasons Greeting to you.
Lovely poem, Hugh. I write poetry every once in a while, but it tends to be on the whimsical side (not great, but whimsical). At one time I had fun writing different lyrics for popular songs. Weird Al had nothing to be worried about, but it was fun.
You know, I’ve always admired those who write song lyrics, Janice. That’s something I’ve never attempted. I wouldn’t even know where to start.
Carry on with writing the poetry. It sounds as if it’s something you enjoy writing.
The poem has the ingredients of what we love about the Christmas magic. Warmth envelops on reading your well written poetic words here, because they hold a loved and comforting familiarity. And, yes, I do hope for snow here in Wales too on this coming Christmas Day. All the best Hugh and thank you.
Thank you. I’m glad you enjoyed reading this one-off poem from me. Who knows if 2024 will bring more poetry from me. I’m not counting on it, though.
From what I heard this morning on the radio, it’s going to be another wet, mild, Welsh Christmas. Still, it won’t stop the festive fun.
Merry Christmas to you.
Thank you for the reply. I am mid west area near the coast, which seldom sees snow. When the snowflakes do fall…….they really fall in abundance. It’s good to express in poetry. You do well in this arena. Cheers and Merry Christmas to you too.
An excellent poem from someone claiming not to be a poet! It could easily be sent to music. Corgis in the snow are almost as much fun as basset hounds!
I’ve never seen a dog not enjoy playing in the snow. They all seem to enjoy bouncing around in it.
Nope, I’m not a poet. The poem in this post is a one-off from me.
That’s something new for me, I didn’t know of the poem block. Thanks :)
You’re welcome.
I hope you got my email responding to some questions you asked me. Please let me know if it did not arrive. I got your email address from your blog.
Thanks for letting me know as I don’t get onto that email address as often :)
I’d recommend you add a ‘Contact’ page to your blog. You just never know when an opportunity with your writing and photography may come your way.
What a lovely poem, Hugh, and really shares the festive ideas of the holiday season. I smiled at the Sherry for gran. Your poem paints the ideal Christmas. And who knew there was a verse block? The corgies playing in the snow must be your two sweeties. Lots of snow!!
Thank you, Terri. The ‘Sherry for Gran’ line reminds me of my Gran. She was not a drinker, but always had a small glass of sherry on Christmas morning.
Yes, it’s Toby and Austin bouncing around in the snow. Like me, they love snow.
A lovely poem, Hugh. It really resonated with me. I hope for a white Christmas every year, even though it never happens! I enjoyed watching your dogs enjoying the snow too.
The last white Christmas I remember we had in Wales was back in 2010, Cathy. That was when snow was actually on the ground on Christmas Day, although that December was very snowy over all. I’ve experienced more white Easters than white Christmases.
I’m glad you enjoyed the poem. Thank you.
I can’t even remember my last white Christmas. We had a dusting of snow last December but by Christmas it was wet and mild again.
Hugh, I enjoyed your poem and I’m glad you gave it another airing out. You captured different levels of the season, even with making do with socks as a present. And they would be appreciated! Especially if they’re warm socks 🙂
Thanks, Dave. I’m glad you enjoyed my one and only poem.
Getting socks for Christmas seems to be a bit of a joke in our household. It reminds me very much of getting a pack of handkerchiefs for Christmas way back when I was growing up. These days, I never see that, although getting socks for Christmas is something I usually find in my Christmas stocking. And they’re always appreciated, especially if they have a Christmas theme.
I find poetry difficult as well. I did enjoy Footprints in the Snow. I moved to Spain to get away from snow though and am happy without it. I see the Corgis love it though.
Our two dogs love the snow. They seem to bounce around in it. Hopefully, they will experience snow again. I hope so, anyway.
I’m glad you enjoyed ‘Footprints in the Snow.’ Thanks, Darlene.
I enjoyed your poem and also the snow. We never get any here and the scene is so peaceful. Wish I were in it!
It’s strange, but when it snows it always seems to bring a certain quiet peace. I can sometimes wake up during the night and know that it is snowing outside. Whereas, other times when I wake, I know it’s not snowing because the quietness is different.
I’m glad you enjoyed the poem. Thank you.
You’re most welcome. The silence in snow falling is like no other!
First of all, the poem is so lovely. Reading it takes you into a bubble of stillness, peace, and joy. Simply beautiful. Then second… there is a “verse” block? See, how important your hints are? As I said once, we can get so blind to new tools by just following our habits stereotypically. So, thanks for this.
Btw. I guess it doesn’t snow often in your area like this!
What lovely feedback, thank you, Erika. I think I mentioned to you on another post about my love of the night of Christmas Eve. I’m sure when I wrote this poem I placed myself during the final hours of Christmas Eve.
Yes, there is a ‘Verse’ block. From what WordPress say, it’s especially for the poets amongst us. I was just interested in how many poets have used it (or know about it). I rather think it’s the perfect way to write and display poetry on a blog.
The photo and video were taken on 10th December 2010. The’ Beast from the East’ visited us and dumped even more snow on us in March 2018, but that was the last time we had a lot of snow in my part of the world. We did some last month, but it was very short-lived.
Yes, I remember how much you love the magic of Christmas Eve. Believe me, that love shines though each letter.
I hope my overloaded brain keeps it in mind when I write the next poem in just a few days… lol. Gosh, sometimes I think that my brain decides what to keep and what to put aside when too much comes together… haha.
Looks beautiful and I am sure you guys enjoy the snow, in case there is not coming down too much at a time… 😄
Our dogs certainly love the snow, even with their short legs. They come back with bits of frozen snow attached to the underside of them.
Haha, so cute 😄
I should have also mentioned that I enjoyed your poem, very much. My mind wanders.
I’m glad you enjoyed it, Dan. I believe it is the only piece of poetry I’ve ever written and published on my blog.
I don’t write poetry very often, but I did use the verse block when I last wrote some.
I love watching dogs play in the snow. That’s a special kind of happiness on display.
I’m glad somebody else knows about the ‘Verse’ block, Dan. I rather like it. It seems to display a poem much better than simply using the paragraph blocks. I think it also had various settings, but I did not check them out. If there is a ‘next time’ from me, I’ll check them out.
It’s a great poem, Hugh, that speaks of your sentiments about Christmas and the winter weather. I used to dabble into poetry more when I was younger. I’ve always traveled and was never home for celebrations and birthdays, so I used to write a poem for special people in my life, when there were special times. Unfortunately, this included funeral poems and lyrics as well. This way, it felt like I was a part of the occasions, despite being far away.
You made me think about the concept of writing poetry. I have to be in the right mood for it and need to have time to let the thoughts ponder in a quiet environment. None of this has happened to/for me for years. Hence, no more poetry. One day, I hope to have the time – and energy – to write a lot, again.
Glad you think so, Liesbet. It’s hard to believe that I wrote it 9 years ago and that no poetry has since come through my fingertips onto the keyboard.
If you do have to be in the right mood to write it, it’s a mood that is very rare for me. I wonder if I’ll ever experience that mood again? I’m not sure I’d need a quiet environment for writing it as I often write short stories while music blasts though my eardrums from my AirPods. Listening to different types of music seems to produce different types of fiction.
I like that you used to write poetry to celebrate or mark certain occasions. It seems a better idea than sending a shop-bought card that already has a written verse inside.
I usually don’t write poetry, and most poetry that I read, I just don’t get. But I did enjoy your Christmas poem.
Thank you, Betty. Likewise, I don’t get poetry. It always has me scratching my head.
Hi Hugh, I found this so interesting as it made me question myself and poetry. I always wanted to write a book; you know that feeling of so many story lines inside but I found the length of it daunting and have so many “first chapters..” laying around that I don’t know how to continue.
I dabbled with little bits of writing poetry, very school basic, with rhyme and finding I had to use words that didn’t really say what I wanted them to, and it didn’t feel “me” or from the heart. Then I had lots of difficult things happen; loss of loved ones, loss of health, etc etc and turned to yoga and meditation to help me, it was as I relaxed and let my mind work its own path, that poetry seemed to just happen and I became intrigued by it and for the past 4 months have tried so many different forms and just tried out different prompts etc.
What I love about poetry is, it is never wrong… it is yours. Not everyone will like it, or understand what you are saying, but every so often someone will read your words and it touches their heart. I started a blog to write in privacy (no family or friends knew) to be cathartic. Not looking to have hundreds of people to follow me etc, just the odd comment here and there of someone who “gets me” is lovely. But poetry is very personal, so I think people who write it actually enjoy the writing of it for itself, knowing it is not the easiest way to be understood. You also have to accept they may read it and think you are saying something totally different! Well, that’s my take anyway, I am not very good at explaining myself or understanding how to blog… its just a basic site as it would baffle me to do more – and yes I always use verse for my verse 😊
Thank you for your amazing comment.
You’ve outlined so much and said it all in a wonderful way. I love how you say that writing poetry just came to you after letting your mind relax and find its own path. Sometimes, we have so many words in our head when we write that it can become quite daunting. Or perhaps it’s a case of trying too hard or forcing oneself to write?
And I agree with you that not everyone will like what we write, but I’ve always believed that if I like what I write, then that is all that matters, especially if if it helps my mental health and makes me smile.
I wish you much success with your writing, whatever form it takes. I hope it brings you (as well as those who read it) lots of pleasure and happiness.
I totally agree it can’t be forced, and yes, if you smile then it’s a success 😊- much pleasure and happiness to you also …
I do love that poem it is very Christmasy. I do love poetry…
I don’t use the poetry block no idea why I just don’t.
Poetry is definitely not everyone’s forte. I like writing stories too I find factual writing the hardest but I do try 💜💜💜
Good to hear you have a go, though, Willow. The problem I have with writing poetry is that because I do not particularly like reading it, I don’t like writing it. ‘Footprints In The Snow’ only came about because of my love for the festive season. I guess I should try and write more Christmas poetry?
Give the Verse block a go and see how you get on with it. I rather like it. It seemed better than using the Paragraph block to write poetry.
Thank you Hugh I will give it a go 💜💜
I LOVE this poem!!! Love the Corgis I saw romping. <3
That’s a big thumbs up then. Thanks, Annette.
I actually enjoy writing verse more than prose, but then I like puzzles and look on rhyming and getting the rhythm right as a challenge.
I began with rhyming treasure hunt clues for my children, but rhyming isn’t fashionable. I’ve had a go at blank verse. but can never be sure my attempts aren’t just prose formatted in lines. I’m not a poetic sort of writer (as you can tell from “had a go at”).
Needless to say, I’ve never been placed in any poetry contests I’ve entered.
Prose? Verse? I had to look up the difference, Cathy. That goes to show how much poetry features in my life.
Being dyslexic makes it harder for me to read poetry, although reading poetry that has rhymes seems easier.
But at least you have a go at writing it. I get to the first line, and my mind goes blank as the poetry cogs freeze up again.
But you had a go! And published it. And the world didn’t end… My youngest daughter was dyslexic and she had a go. And when she did, she wrote well too.
If it were not for finding the world of blogging, I think being dyslexic would still have stopped me from publishing my writing. I have blogging to thank for opening up that door and smashing that barrier.