Today I give thanks
for all of the little things
in my life.

Snowdrops heralding
the approach of spring.
A rainbow fragment
glowing faintly
in the corner of a billowing cloud.
Shimmering, sparkling waters
reflecting blue skies overhead.
A robin singing his heart out
when I awake
in the wee, small hours.

Chatting with a friend
in the canteen
in between classes.
A beaming smile
from one of my students –
full of joy
and innocence.

Columbo with Fiachra and Paul
on a Friday evening.
Whistling a chorus
of the McDonald’s theme tune
driving in the car
with Aoife and Niamh.

Dandering down the Lisburn Road
with Paul
during an afternoon off
as if we’ve all the time in the world –
I feel like I’m a student again!

Seeing Paul dance in the kitchen
when he’s free from pain
and his favourite song
comes on the radio.

My days are dotted
with all these little things
that make me smile.
And when I join the dots
I can see
that they spell out one simple word –
B L E S S E D !

© Claire Murray, 2nd February 2020