25th December 2022 Composed just after breakfast this morning
A fire not really needed,
For this coastal Christmas is mild;
But the flames bring cheer when the early dawn looks drear,
And the wind’s forecast strong to wild.
It’s the holy morning, feels it came without warning
As I look round, see some disarray:
That same oil sketch; a box needing firewood fetched;
Cards opened, awaiting display.
And on the computer screen, same as there’s ever been
Every morning since Heaven knows when,
New messages lie: some deserving prompt replies,
Some reminding me hard that I should have sent a card…
While outside as always carpentry, mortaring, pruning
Plus planning of work to be done –
But, sod it, it’s Christmas Day, so as the clouds clear away
It’s wellies on, and off to the beach for some fun!
© Christopher Jessop 2022
