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.
Photo of a snow meadow with footprints in the snow.
Can you see footprints in the snow?

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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80 responses to “Footprints In The Snow – A Poem For Christmas”

  1. TanGental avatar

    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.

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      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.

      1. TanGental avatar

        Yes found it! Now I just need to work out how to change the font…

        1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

          You’ll find that information in the settings section of the block on the righthand side of the drafts page.

          1. TanGental avatar

            You’re a national treasure

  2. Mthobisi Magagula avatar

    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🔥🌲🌲🍾💯💯🎂

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      Thank you. I’m glad you enjoyed reading my bit of festive poetry, Mthobisi.

      Seasons Greeting to you.

  3. Janis @ RetirementallyChallenged.com avatar

    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.

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      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.

  4. graysummers avatar

    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.

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      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.

      1. graysummers avatar

        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.

  5. JT Twissel avatar

    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!

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      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.

  6. bushboy avatar

    That’s something new for me, I didn’t know of the poem block. Thanks :)

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      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.

      1. bushboy avatar

        Thanks for letting me know as I don’t get onto that email address as often :)

        1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

          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.

  7. Terri Webster Schrandt avatar

    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!!

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      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.

  8. Cathy avatar

    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.

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      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.

      1. Cathy avatar

        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.

  9. Dave Williams avatar

    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 🙂

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      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.

  10. Darlene avatar

    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.

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      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.

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