Poetry Challenge from Sarah Donovan:  Write a poem about something that
makes you happy. 

Blackberry Winter Memories

“It’s a Blackberry Winter,” I was told.
The spring allows winter one final word before winning the argument.
A perfect writing time- early morning
fireplace ablaze, fresh coffee,
comfy chair, fleece pajamas,
Moleskine journal, bold gel pen,
Thoughts ready to materialize.

But suddenly, Schnauzer and Schnoodle seige!
One wraps around my neck on the back of the chair.
One curls up in my lap on the paper.
They, too, love a fire.

There are things that bring
more warmth than fireplaces and coffee,
more comfort than chairs and pajamas,
more joy than journals and pens.
And I’d rather have these memories
on this Blackberry Winter morning.

– Kim Haynes Johnson, April 2, 2019