ABPA - Australian Bush Poets Association

Thoughts at Close of the Year

Sit silently to count your many blessings through the year
despite such circumstances as ill health, sad loss, or fear.
Remember who you are and what you still aspire to be -
that simple gratitude in life’s a key necessity.
It isn’t always easy in the wake of grief or pain,
believing through the blackest nights that hope will shine again.
Perfection cannot be attained, but we must make the choice
to overcome our broken hearts, revive our muted voice.

No matter what the months have held, be generous with smiles
to light the days for others trudging dark, despondent miles.
Deep satisfaction’s always found in making someone’s day –
we mustn’t underestimate kind things we do or say.
Surround yourself with nature. Sit and marvel at the skies,
the splendour of the ocean that astonishes our eyes,
the mountains, lakes, and creatures that inhabit Earth below –
perspective always comes with sheer delight such sights bestow.

Be mindful of this precious, priceless gift of life we share,
and keep the spirit strong with constant gratitude and care.
Look out for those less fortunate, compassion at the fore,
and treasure those we love - reflect on those who are no more.
It’s vital how we choose to handle troubles that befall -
with faith and purpose peace can grow, break down the highest wall.
Whatever we are feeling need not show upon our face,
and thankful hearts can often reach a lovely state of grace.

© Catherine Lee, 2024

Hi Catherine

You have really hit the mark with this one not only making good use of the prompts,
but also keeping to the spirit of what those prompts alluded to.
A lovely poem as well.

Terry

Beautifully written, Catherine.

Upon examining each of your lines, it is hard to find fault with your philosophy. Ha! High ideals indeed - and all nicely put into words. (I am sure that my own behaviour falls well short of that standard.).

I know you cannot fit everything into your verse but you describe the beauty of nature and that is true, but may I also allude to the beauty of people surrounding one. I was chatting to a lady neighbour late yesterday (I have endless neighbours) and she began raving about a (much younger) fellow being a "hunk". She had consumed a few drinks. I took exception and said that my mother always claimed "beauty is as beauty does". It is not a matter of external appearance!

The beauty to be found in nature as your describe, but also within people who are genuinely " looking out for those less fortunate". Kindness and generosity. And yes, "compassion" in challenging situations.

And Compassion for oneself!! ... You say "but we must make the choice to overcome our broken hearts, revive our muted voice." "perfection cannot be attained". Seeing the good in others and deliberately ignoring the less good can surely help mend relationships and pave the path ahead through life with gold?

Your verse Thoughts At Close Of Year.. expresses excellent Thoughts... in my humble opinion.

How on earth do you manage to gather them all up like that!!!

Fabulous !!!

Thank you very much for contributing such a lovely verse.

A window into your own (admirable) personal Thoughts which I have read several times over.

Beautiful poem Catherine, you have really nailed it!
It is so concise and poignant, not a line or word wasted!
Among so many brilliant lines I like: 'perspective always comes with sheer delight such sights bestow!'
For I feel that if we can keep our life in some sort of perspective, it helps for tomorrow.
Loved it, and will read again several times!
Ron

Wow, Terry, Gary, and Ron you have certainly made my day at the start of this year we’ve just begun! Thank you so much for such warm, complimentary feedback – and I really appreciate the way you have singled out certain lines and thoughts, as it is always so very helpful and gratifying to hear which of these strike particular chords in different people. Most of all, I am extremely happy that you have enjoyed the poem and seen into the spirit of the words as they were meant. Thank you again, and a very Happy, Healthy New Year to you all!

Beautifully crafted thoughts that I am taking on on board Catherine - thank you for sharing them

Absolutely beautiful, Catherine - such true sentiments, so well expressed.

Gratitude and a sense of wonder - so essential in life.

Cheers
Shelley

Thank you so much, Maureen and Shelley xx