Winter’s Delight
By Peter Devonald
Welcome to my cocoon, my shell, my perfect nest,
layer upon layer of protection from the angry world,
here we are insulated, shielded and cossetted,
here we are warm and safe, sheltered from the storm.
This is an embrace, as fire roars in the hearth,
the library is well stocked, Irish coffee is obligatory,
lean back and listen to the softening snow outside,
let nostalgia wash over you, let happiness envelop you.
The world is at peace tonight, no discord or disunity,
carols in the distance blown to us softly in the winds,
deep perfection, still beauty, unity of minds to relax,
recover and swoon with serenades into the night.
Wrapped up and warm within blankets in deepest winter,
dancing into our imagination as we read and contemplate,
smell wood fire, vanilla and spice, let deep memories
take us on a perfect waltz back to Grandmother’s house.
Dream of love, warmth and connection, phoning old friends
whilst curled up in duvets and the glowing wistful past,
snow angels later, snowmen and comfort food, a glowing life
cushioned, cocooned and celebrated, embraced with a sleep.
Peter Devonald is widely published in magazines/anthologies including London Grip, Door Is A Jar, Bluebird Word, Metachrosis, Forget-Me-Not Press, Vipers Tongue, Voidspace and the6ress. Winner of the Waltham Forest Poetry Prize 2022, Heart Of Heatons Poetry Awards 2023 & 2021, joint winner FofHCS Poetry 2023, commended by judges in the Hippocrates Prize for Poetry and Medicine 2024, Forward Prize nomination 2023, two Best Of The Net nominations and shortlisted Saveas 2023 & Allingham 2023. He is poet in residence at Haus-a-rest. Won 50+ film awards, former senior judge/ mentor Peter Ustinov Awards (iemmys) and Children’s Bafta nominated.
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