This Winter Walk

This poem was inspired by a wonderful family walk in London’s Greenwich Park yesterday, after a period of isolation

I'm grateful for this winter walk,
When side by side, we stroll and talk,
When all the world is gripped with fear,
And bad report is everywhere,
To see that earth and sky still meet,
And feel the ground beneath my feet.

I'm grateful for this memory,
Of city-scape, and take-out tea,
I'm grateful for this outdoor space,
The cheery smile upon your face,
I'm grateful that you're here with me,
For momentary normalcy.

I'm grateful for this chance to be
Outside, with you, alive and free!
When all the world must lock away,
I'm grateful for this winter day,
For every blade of grass that's planted
For things I often take for granted.

I'm grateful for each leafless tree,
So stark and lifeless though they be,
Reminding me that seasons wane, 
That winter shall not long remain,
That underneath this hard, hard ground,
A thousand buds of spring abound.