Christmas Night Reflections

Fluttering beneath the newly cut
Festive green hollies,
Decked out with heaped drapes
Of freshly fallen snow,
A bold little red breasted Robin,
Busily searching,
Cheerfully hops to and fro.

Darting between the soft, swirling
flakes 
Of unique crystalline, driven without 
respite,
He alights upon his sheltered 
perch
And begins to shrilly trill:
Against the on coming, long
Drawn out Christmas night.

For the drawing darkness is
deepening,
Whilst the harsh wind blows so chill;
And, gently waking
From nonsensical dreaming,
I harken to the old dog Fox,
As, barking, he pads on down 
Through the gorse strewn hill.

Suddenly stirred from dozing 
Idleness,
As the charred log shifts and 
settles in the grate,
I recall with vivid fondness:
Some old memories, good times,
The well meant promises
I did so earnestly to undertake.

Of old acquaintance...
Not forgotten,
And those that were
Or are no more,
Of circumstance and friendship:
And of they
That daily come
To pass through my open door.

But now the flames from the fire,
Dancing in the frosted window
panes,
Are calling for the poker
So I may stoke the blaze again;
For turning my warming back
Upon the locked out winters keep...

I hear that steadfast little Robin
Sing once more -
As I fall back into uncontested sleep!

Copyright © | Year Posted 2014



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12
Date: 4/25/2021 4:23:00 PM
I think of Christmases of long ago John, and long for a few more good ones. Lets pray that it is so . :)
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John Fleming
Date: 4/25/2021 9:44:00 PM
Indeed so, Vie. Christmas used to be such a wonderful time! Perhaps it is always the same as we get older...everything seems to have been so much better so long ago. Stay safe Vie! :) john
Date: 10/4/2017 10:55:00 AM
This is a perfect description of a perfect moment in time swaddled in Christmas and all of its charm. As Iread I could feel the warmth of the fire and the thought. Superbly written. Thank you.
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John Fleming
Date: 10/4/2017 1:13:00 PM
Any amount of appreciation is always warmly welcomed, Patricia. :) john
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Patricia Cresswell
Date: 10/4/2017 10:57:00 AM
Be prepared for me to ware out this poem
Date: 9/12/2017 10:31:00 AM
I gravitated to this poem because it is the most favourite time of my year. I was not let down for immediately I was within the warmth and reverie of the season. Thank you.
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John Fleming
Date: 9/15/2017 9:32:00 AM
I totally understand your thoughts regarding Christmas, Patricia; although it is far from my favourite time of year, too commercialized and dull where I live in this part of England, I can still appreciate how charming and serene it must be for yourself regarding your snug little home...sounds all rather lovely! All my very best, Patricia...as always! :) john
Date: 9/4/2016 6:48:00 PM
I like this poem and can actually see the little Robin hopping around. It is a very good example of a rhyme. If only I could write upbeat like you do. The words are strained when I try that. For you upbeat comes naturally. sharon
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John Fleming
Date: 9/7/2016 3:38:00 AM
Hi, Sharon. Allow me to say that it is my great pleasure to make your acquaintance...Most pleased to know you! Regarding your kind comment about my"Upbeat" poetry writing style: My poems are a result of much mutation. Try jotting lines down on paper, slowly over days or weeks building verses, add ideas to ideas, substitute words for words; and even after uploading your poem - never stop trying to improve it! My very best regards, Sharon. :) john
Date: 8/24/2016 3:22:00 AM
You captured that moment very well. Bird song, memories and uncontested sleep. In the here and now. Teaches me a lot, to be in that moment, which I do not anywhere near enough. Wishes, Kai
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John Fleming
Date: 8/27/2016 4:45:00 AM
Thank you, Kai! You will always find a warm welcome here...My very best regards...And best wishes. :) john
Date: 10/24/2015 1:40:00 AM
You definitely know how to paint a vivid picture with your words...I love how you bring back the steadfast Robin..quite a delight to read, John.Always, Laura
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John Fleming
Date: 10/24/2015 2:50:00 PM
You are most welcome, Laura! Always a pleasure to hear from you. My very best regards as always! :) john
Date: 8/13/2015 1:56:00 PM
Deat John, Amazing imagery and a celebrated christmas night of friendship and memories:-) i got a complete picture:-) mine is a tropical country and never I have seen snow capped land in real.... Good !!! Poem love, Anu:-)
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John Fleming
Date: 8/15/2015 1:21:00 PM
Thank you, Anu. In all fairness a "White Christmas" in these parts of Cheshire where I live are as rare as Unicorns these days...But, just now and again, Anu, just now and again - the elusive Unicorn makes a showing! Many best wishes, Anu. :) john
Date: 4/6/2015 6:59:00 PM
Why Thank you, I haven't had much time to read many poems, especially with the amount of replies my comments receive? But, this summer I am coming back 100%. I hope you stop by and visit my new writing this coming summer.. I sure would like to come back, without having to search for my favorite poets on the tiny search engine on my phone... have a nice day, thank you for the welcome on my replies to my replies.. LOL, silly right! LINDA
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John Fleming
Date: 4/9/2015 11:37:00 PM
You are most welcome, Linda! I will be dropping by you very soon. Cheers!! :) john.
Date: 4/5/2015 4:05:00 PM
JOHN, Dropped by to say hi and congratulate you on having your poem selected by Soup's Administration. This is a wonderful poem to have featured on the homepage. Have yourself a Happy Easter ~Always & Forever~ LINDA
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John Fleming
Date: 4/6/2015 12:35:00 AM
Thank you, Linda. You are always welcome here! Have yourself a peaceful Easter also. My very best regards!! :) john.
Date: 3/19/2015 6:25:00 AM
I found this work to be very satisfying, John. Hugs, Julia, xx
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John Fleming
Date: 3/19/2015 5:46:00 PM
Thanks, Julia. Yes, i agree, it does have a contented sense of warm and cozy satisfaction about it all. Glad you enjoyed it! My very best regards!! :) jojn.
Date: 1/6/2015 11:42:00 AM
Well done. Of nostalgia and romanticism.
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John Fleming
Date: 1/6/2015 7:03:00 PM
Thanks, Bill! Your kind words are very much appreciated! :-) john.
Date: 1/5/2015 12:57:00 PM
This is a beautifully penned piece of poetry John. I tip my hat to you sir, for the imagery. Well done. :O) Keep up with the great work. Keep on penning. Thank you so very much for sharing your wonderful and creative talents with us. We all truly appreciate it. *S* Cynthia
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Cynthia Jones
Date: 1/6/2015 5:55:00 PM
:O) You are most welcome John. I am pleased to have made yours as well. *S* Cynthia
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John Fleming
Date: 1/5/2015 7:06:00 PM
Thank you, Cynthia! I am pleased to have made your acquaintance! Cheers!! :-) john.
Date: 1/4/2015 5:14:00 PM
John: This is a thing of beauty—the flow, the imagery, the memories. I love it. Kudos.
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John Fleming
Date: 1/5/2015 11:07:00 AM
Thank you, Paul. Yes, i too like this poem. It is one of my more "rarer" types; i penned it in a day. Very unusual for me...they sometimes take weeks!! All the very best! :) john.
Date: 1/3/2015 4:14:00 PM
Nostalgia dips it's pen into a long Christmas night in such a peaceful and contented way. I could almost hear the logs crackling as you gave the flames a stir. Contentment rests within this reader as well.
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John Fleming
Date: 1/4/2015 1:31:00 AM
Thank you, Debra. I agree with your sentiments concerning the feelings of contentment. As usual with all my poems - they do seem to write themselves! When i first read through the poem it was this very same feeling of "contentment" that i too experienced! Many thanks. :) john.
Date: 1/3/2015 1:02:00 PM
Fabulous imagery, John Fleming. I took a beautiful Christmas night stroll with you. Thanks for sharing!
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John Fleming
Date: 1/3/2015 3:16:00 PM
I am pleased you enjoyed the poem, Cona; and the walk. :) Many thanks for your visit and your kind comments. :) john.
Date: 12/30/2014 11:13:00 AM
Thank you, Bindu. That is a very kind thing to say. :) john.
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Date: 12/9/2014 8:23:00 PM
what a lovely way to express your love of Christmas. May you have the best of the season now and all year round. Excellent poem and so descriptive. blessings Edith
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John Fleming
Date: 12/10/2014 1:38:00 PM
Thank you, Edith. That is very kind of you. Much appreciated!! :) john.
Date: 12/9/2014 10:54:00 AM
Reflections and recollections near the open door of friendship.Best wishes of the season,O.B.
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John Fleming
Date: 12/9/2014 1:16:00 PM
Thank you, Ovidiu. I hope that 2015 brings you contentment and happiness. :) john.
Date: 12/8/2014 10:32:00 AM
Hi John, I just read your lovely poem, so full of the old fashioned feelings for a Christmas night. I felt the nostalgia in your words...very calming and peaceful thoughts. Sandra
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John Fleming
Date: 12/8/2014 2:12:00 PM
Hi Sandra. Your kind remarks are very much appreciated...thank you! :) john.
Date: 12/8/2014 8:12:00 AM
I love this, John. The "steadfast little Robin" stole my heart. A great write.
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John Fleming
Date: 12/8/2014 2:11:00 PM
Quote from...Starman - Jeff Bridges - 1984. Great film!!
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John Fleming
Date: 12/8/2014 2:01:00 PM
Thank you, Cona. If there is one quality i admire above all else in a mortal soul it is..."Steadfastedness". It is our finest quality. How perverse it is that as human beings "we are at our very best - when things are at their very worst"!! :) john.
Date: 12/4/2014 5:36:00 AM
Ahh!! Enjoyed reading your of your dream on a cold winter's night..Thanks for the visit to my page..I appreciate the time spent there..Sara
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John Fleming
Date: 12/5/2014 10:40:00 AM
You are most welcome, Sara. Thank you for your kind comments. P.s I enjoyed the visit to your site. :-) john.
Date: 12/4/2014 1:34:00 AM
The beauty of the Christmas season is reflected here in the warmth of your words. I truly enjoyed this lovely poem, John! Wonderful work!... Welcome to Poetry Soup. I look forward to reading more of your work!
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John Fleming
Date: 12/4/2014 2:18:00 AM
Thank you, Kelly. I have read several of your poems; they are very good! When i have more time i intend to read a few more. :) john.
Date: 12/4/2014 12:57:00 AM
Thanks, Maurice. I have to confess i am rather pleased with this poem. It has a nice "An English mans home is his castle" feel about it. And that is what i am...About as English as one could be. :) john.
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Date: 12/3/2014 1:18:00 PM
Excellent! Great Poetry! A Fav.
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Date: 12/2/2014 12:46:00 PM
I love the details in this write. Thank you for sharing.
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John Fleming
Date: 12/2/2014 3:56:00 PM
Thank you, Meg. I am pleased that you enjoyed the read. :-) John.
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