A wintry wind does howl and bite,
Outside the pane where shadows throng;
But here within, the fire gives light,
And hums a cheerful, sturdy song.
The trees without, though stark and bare,
In icy silence hold their breath,
Know life within this kitchen fair,
A warm defiance from the hearth.
The logs are stacked, the kindling dry,
The bright, blue kitchen stove glows deep;
While sparks in rosy fancies fly,
And secrets of the winter keep.
From the Stanley Stove the heat does rise,
A welcome to the frost-bound soul,
Bringing a light to weary eyes,
Making the hearth a living whole.
No faerie rings nor ancient spells,
Just honest warmth and simple fare;
Where every humble object tells,
Of life sustained by fire’s care.
The kettle sings, the shadows creep,
The heart finds rest, the mind finds ease;
While ’round the home the spirits sleep,
Beneath the boughs of winter trees.
Colette O’Neill
Samhain 2025
So beautiful 🥰. Very poignant and very Collette. Dragons greeting from Kent. Xx
Very atmospheric, and coupled with your lovely photos, I am there.
Lovely, pictures and poem and thoughts of home! (I couldn’t resist!)
Wonderful Colette, so relaxing. 😊
I love this!! It makes me feel warm inside and out.
Oh what a beautiful magical hearth it is!!!
Blessings ~ 🕯️⭐️💫✨
Beautiful. And the pictures are so fitting also. It’s like being in your kitchen!
Just lovely, thank you!
Collette, thank you for sharing your lovely home with us. The tiles around your stove are just beautiful. One can feel the warmth from the fire and the love from your poem.
Lovely, Colette. Just lovely.
Just Delightful and Uplifting 🕊️
I have your book. I love it so!
I love a poem this is so special love it ❤️
Fabulous poem!!!
Beautiful!
Absolutely lovely! ☕️ 🍂 🌲
What a beautiful poem to begin my day. I am putting your Yule time bread in the oven right now! The day is new the frost is hard but in our hearts the fire burns. Keeping the spirit and sending you the peace to hold close. Love from Canada to you and Patsy. PS. my Bealtaine Cottage Guide to the Deep Midwinter is dog eared and splattered. Hugs Marlene
What beautiful poetry and accompanying pictures 🤍
I loved that poem, made me feel warm cosy and thankful. X
Perhaps a book of poetry next!
I love your cottage under the snow absorb gorgeous 🥰here in subtropical Queensland Australia 🇦🇺 we are melting 🫠🥵🥵🥵with 36°C at the moment 🌈🦋🎶😂😂😂
Much Love and Warmth 💖💞💓
Wonderful view of your stove.
Beautiful! The poem, the photos. Just seeing the light coming from the windows made me smile and relax a little more. Thank you for these moments of inspiration and beauty.
Beautiful!! I, too, find solace in my kitchen. More than any place else in my life.
I love your cottage. The wood stove makes it cozy and warm. Love that you were able to view the northern lights. To much light in Baltimore for us to see them. Have a wonderful holiday season. 🎄🎁
…and a poetess to top it all!
Colette, you’re on to something here!
Regards,
Carole
Beautiful
Love this. Beautifully written. One can feel the warmth of it all. Blessings, Collette.