On Winter Nights

Cherry

By luigi_pagano

Sun, 09 Jan 2022
  • 1998 reads
18 comments
 

On winter nights we sit by a roaring log fire
toasting crumpets with a long-handled fork;
   (it is a skill that’s not easy to acquire)
while we relax after a week of hard work.
 
We feel bright and cosy in our warm room
and although the weather is said to be dire
we abandon thoughts of gloom and doom.
It is peace and tranquillity that we require.
 
Grandpa, on the sofa, is drinking dry sherry;
he is feeling sleepy and perhaps he’ll retire.
The kids are thrilled, frolicsome and merry
but it is snow and snow fights they desire.
 
They look at the sky to see if the weather
 is going to be kind and will change its mind.
Lo and behold: a snowflake, light as a feather,
is followed by another of a similar kind.
 
They are mightily relieved and full of elation
 and will not consider that they’re unkind
being able to play, as they’re on vacation,
 while the grownups go back to the grind.
 
© Luigi Pagano 

Certificate U
Poem
Mutevoli pensieri
Inspiration Point (work that responds to our weekly writing cue)

Comments

Submitted by Turlough on

This bit made me think back to our days before we acquired a Russell Hobbs four slice deluxe pop-up model …  

toasting crumpets with a long-handled fork;
   (it is a skill that’s not easy to acquire)

We bought our toaster because it wasn’t easy to acquire a long-handled fork and we found that the short handled ones made a bit of a mess, not to mention the tremendous pain.

Turlough

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

Somehow it seemed more romantic to use a fork, rather than a toaster, in a rustic country cottage. I can appreciate the dangers of using a short fork, especially in front of a fierce fire. 
Nowadays we use a more modern appliance.

Thanks for your comment, Luigi

 

Submitted by Insertponceyfre... on

I don't think I've ever tried toasting crumpets with a fork but it sounds like a wonderful thing to do! In fact  I might go and buy some crumpets on the strength of this poem - they'e just the thing on a cold January afternoon - thank you Luigi!

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

Oh, yes.Delicious crumpets with loads of melting butter! I could do with some right now.
Bon Appetit. yes

Luigi x

 

Submitted by skinner_jennifer on

Love your poem Luigi. The idea of toasting crumpets on the fire is so adventurous, and I like how you include the children, right up to Grandpa on the sofa with his glass of sherry. A picture of family warmth indeed.

Jenny. xx

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

Hi Jenny, glad you like this nostalgic poem which recalled a long-ago past when I lived in an old cottage with a vast fireplace. To toast crumpets in front of it was quite an ordinary task that we didn't think exceptional.

Luigi xx

 

Submitted by griffonner on

I never lived in a cottage, but I remember, as a child, visiting relatives in 'the valleys' who had roaring fires - often in 'the front room' only used when vistors came!  Nicely done, Luigi.

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

Nice hearing from you, Allen .Thanks very much for your kind words. Take care.

Best, Luigi

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

Nostalgia is a good source of inspiration and has proved 'fruitful on this occasion. Thank you ABC Editors.smiley

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

yes

 

Submitted by donignacio on

I truly enjoyed this. Brings back memories of my grandparent's house at Christmas with family in Michigan where we almost always had snow, and staying in and staying warm. Really loved your description of the first snowflake in particular. -Michael

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

Hi Michael, if I recall correctly this must have been written about a family gathering at Christmas.
I notice that you have been a contributor to ABC  since 2004, the same year that I joined, but our paths haven't crossed until recently. I write mainly poetry but occasionally stray into prose.I shall endeavour to read your work.

Best, Luigi.

 

 

Submitted by Hades502 on

Nice little poem, very well written. It evokes nice images in the mind. Well done.

GGHades502

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

Thank you, GG, much appreciated.

Best, Luigi.

 

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Nice format, with the rhymes appearing to come easily! and a warm picture of indoor cosyness when the curtains are drawn. Rhiannon

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

Hello Rhiannon, a domestic scene, at Christmas time, that's easy to envisage and with which we can all identify. Many thanks for reading and commenting.

Luigi x

 

Submitted by Penny4athought on

Something 'Night before Christmas' about this poem Luigi- the visual flow is beautiful, panning from toasting crumpets by the fire, grandpa sipping dry sherry and children nestled nearby with visions of snow fights in their heads. I loved this look into hearth and home you paint for us; this will be a poem to read every Christmas season. Thanks for sharing it.smiley

Penny4athought

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

Definitely redolent of the festive season,JoAnne, you are absolutely right. I am very pleased you like it, thank you.

Luigi x