Midwest Mary

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By

Mary K. Doyle

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Poem–Seasonal Gifts

Seasonal Gifts

The richness of a dense, green forest,
with music of rustling leaves, crickets, and songbirds,
and its scent of damp earth and new growth
will surely fade into naked, silent branches
clearing the dark woods for crisp snowflakes
glistening in the vibrant, winter snow and sun.

From the smooth, sweet skin of an infant
to my loving and wise grandmother’s rich stories
and whiffs of her fresh, warm homemade bread,
all things and everyone’s seasons are blessings
that must be savored in the moment, for we have
nothing, and no loved one, forever.

(Matthiessen State Park, Oglesby, IL)

*

©Mary K. Doyle, 2026

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Responses to “Poem–Seasonal Gifts”

  1. ✒️🥣Dorothy’s New Vintage Kitchen

    Beautifully written!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Dorothy.

      Reply
  2. Lori Pohlman

    This is a well-timed reminder, Mary. We are just feeling and seeing the first autumnal changes here in the UP. Savoring the moments!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      It’s a rather melancholy transition, isn’t it, Lori? Fall is stunningly beautiful, yet, then winter is on its way.

      Reply
  3. Nancy Homlitas

    Agreed! Savor every moment of every season and all the memories interwoven within them. Lovely poem, Mary. 🙂

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thanks, Nancy. We learn to late the that tough times weren’t all that tough, or at least, there were good things also. I appreciate your input, my friend.

      Reply
  4. Phil Strawn

    All we have here in southwest Texas is dead everything and now we have a 100,000-acre wildfire headed our way. Beautiful picture.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      I’m sorry for the fires and fears of loss, Phil. I will keep Texas in my prayers. We are very green here right now from all the rain.

      Reply
  5. CJ Antichow

    Beautiful Mary!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, CJ. Have the best day, my friend.

      Reply
      1. CJ Antichow

        You as well 🌼

        Reply
  6. Susana Cabaço

    Very charming and touching, Mary! Yes, “in the moment.” Thank you for this precious moment!! Light and blessings to you, always, my friend 🙏 🌟 💛 🌻 🌈

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      The same to you, my inspirational and loving friend.

      Reply
  7. kagould17

    With walking in the forests off the table right now (knee and skeeters), we are riding through on our bikes instead. The sights, scents and sounds are healing. Happy Wednesday Mary. Allan

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      I’m sure you see things differently from bikes than on foot, but all is delightful. Thank you for adding your thoughts, my friend.

      Reply
  8. Indira

    Fine analogy here- nature and human life!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you for capturing the comparison, dear Indira. Blessings to you.

      Reply
  9. Rosaliene Bacchus

    The nature of our lives, Mary. We can take nothing for granted. Everything and everyone has its season.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Exactly, Rosaliene. Much love to you.

      Reply
      1. Rosaliene Bacchus

        🙂 ❤

        Reply
  10. vermavkv

    What a beautiful and deeply moving poem, Mary. ❤️ “Seasonal Gifts” captures one of life’s most important truths: everything changes, and that very impermanence makes each moment precious.

    I especially loved the transition from the lush green forest to the quiet winter woods. The rustling leaves, crickets, songbirds, damp earth, and sparkling snow create such vivid sensory images that one can almost experience the changing seasons alongside you.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Vijay. I strive to write emotionally and visually. Blessings to you today and always, my friend.

      Reply
  11. Nancy Homlitas

    You’re welcome, Mary. 😁

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      🙂

      Reply
  12. Monkey’s Tale

    So true, savour every moment. Maggie

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      You and your mate appear to do just that. Hugs.

      Reply
  13. Willie Torres Jr.

    Wonderful Poem Mary…. Every season is a gift from God, and every moment with those we love is precious.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Exactly, my friend. Blessings to you.

      Reply
  14. terryshen

    The ending–all things and everyone’s seasons are blessings that must be savored in the moment, for we have nothing, and no loved one, forever– really hit home with me. It reminded me of the impermanence from Buddhist teaching, a call to embrace the moment. Thank you, Mary, for sharing.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you for your insight. I don’t know much about Buddhist teachings, but I appear to allign with some at least. All the best to you.

      Reply
  15. Hazel

    The last two lines are such beautiful reminder in life, Mary. Love this poem.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, sweet Hazel. It appears that you do just that.

      Reply
      1. Hazel

        Thank you and my pleasure, Mary

        Reply
  16. justrojie

    your voice is very soothing!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you. I don’t have much power in my voice but do the best I can.

      Reply
  17. Rakesh K. Singh

    Beautiful reminder that impermanence is not something to fear, but something that makes each moment precious as well as prized.

    In fact, every season has its own beauty, and every season eventually passes. And, perhaps, that is both the sadness as well as the gift of being alive.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      You are very insightful, Rakesh. Thank you for your thoughts here. I appreciate your time.

      Reply
      1. Rakesh K. Singh

        It’s my pleasure, and thank you for the generous words, ma’am.

        Reply
  18. Vivek

    It’s charming

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you

      Reply
  19. gc1963

    Loved this beautiful poem wherein you have beautifully captured the temporariness of Nature extending it to human relations. The description is tender and soft though it could have been stark. You’ve so expertly circumvented the harsh realities of life by painting a soul stirring picture of aromatic hues.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Well, that is so beautiful, Geeta. Thank you for your input. Loe to you.

      Reply
  20. mjeanpike

    This is so lovely, Mary.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Jean. Enjoy this beautiful day.

      Reply
  21. Victoria

    Oh my goodness, Mary. What a treat. Thank you, thank you. This really lingers — words I love:
    …”all things and everyone’s seasons are blessings…”
    xo! 💝

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, dear Vicki. I appreciate your kind words.

      Reply
      1. Victoria

        Love you much! ❤️

        Reply
  22. johnlmalone

    we’re a few days off Spring; yay ! So true that all seasons have their joys though ; I love how this poem lifts in the second stanza ; off for another read 🙂

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you for chiming in, my friend. Have a great weekend.

      Reply
  23. Jacqui Murray

    I am always thrilled to be reminded of how much I get from Nature.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      How about it, Jacqui! Nature feeds me. Must be my Neanderthal roots.

      Reply
  24. Stephanie

    This is gorgeous, Mary, and the photo! Nothing forever, so beautifully sad and true.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      It’s never sad if we remain in the moment. Love to you, Stephanie.

      Reply
      1. Stephanie

        Love too, Mary. ❤ Ty ❤

        Reply
  25. The Mindful Migraine Blog

    “everyone’s seasons are blessings” – love it! xx

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Linda. Have a wonderful weekend.

      Reply
  26. Lauren Scott, Author

    What a beautiful poem, Mary, and so true. Savor every moment and every day!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      And I think you try to do that, don’t you, Lauren? Hugs to you, my friend.

      Reply
      1. Lauren Scott, Author

        Definitely, Mary! Sending hugs to you! 💞🌷

        Reply
  27. Angela

    Beautiful reminder to cherish every season and every moment with the people we love.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Angela. I appreciate your input!

      Reply
  28. Priti

    So beautiful ❤️

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Priti. Happy Friday to you!

      Reply
  29. Savvy Raj

    Lovely read,Mary

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you very much, Savvy.

      Reply
  30. Edward Ortiz

    Beautiful poem and wonderful reading, Mary.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Edward. Have a great week.

      Reply
      1. Edward Ortiz

        You’re so welcome, my friend. Same to you.

        Reply
  31. Dawn Pisturino

    Wonderful, Mary!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Dawn. Hugs to you.

      Reply
  32. Priti

    💐

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Priti.

      Reply
  33. Dawna

    Hmm, everything does have its season, doesn’t it. Nothing lasts forever and what a wonderful reminder how we need to savor each season of life. Hugs my friend. Love ya

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Sweet Dawna. Blessings to you, my friend.

      Reply
  34. Cooking and Literature Friend

    We are children of God and of nature, but we have forgotten Father and Mother and trample them underfoot.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Oh, yes. Sadly true. Thank you for your input.

      Reply
  35. Awakening Wonders

    Yes, yes to stories of grandmother’s love!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Mary. I appreciate you stopping by.

      Reply
  36. P. J. Gudka

    Loved the poem, made me smile.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      That makes me happy, Pooja. Love to you.

      Reply
  37. Lincol Martín

    A beautiful poem that reminds us that everything has its time and nothing lasts forever. Nature and the different stages of life teach us to value every moment and, above all, to enjoy and cherish those we love while they are with us.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Exactly, Lincol. Thank you for grasping my message and summarizing it. Good to see you here!

      Reply
      1. Lincol Martín

        Thank you for sharing your message and for your kind words. I’m so glad to connect with you again here. Big hug, and let’s keep in touch.

        Reply
  38. Priti

    🙏🏼

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Prayers to you, as well, Priti.

      Reply
  39. Ken Bloomfield

    Another great poem, Mary. The forest comes back every year and the rest of it doesn’t, and you didn’t pretend otherwise. I do believe the clearing makes room for something, the bare branches letting the snow in. But the bread is what touched me. That is the detail that made your grandmother real to me, and I never met her.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Ah, thank you, Ken. I had wonderful grandmothers that taught me a great deal about life and how the little things matter.

      Reply
  40. Caleb Cheruiyot

    Wonderful

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Caleb. I’m very sorry that I can’t read your posts. I don’t understand why I’m prohibited. There may some security glitch.

      Reply
  41. Sheknowsallblog

    Dense green forests becoming naked branches, an infant growing into a grandmother telling stories over warm bread—you’ve caught the whole arc of time in one breath.

    That line: ‘all things and everyone’s seasons are blessings that must be savored in the moment.’ Yes. Because forever isn’t promised, but this moment is. Beautiful. 💙

    / Love & Hugs / Khadija 💕🤗

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Khadija. I appreciate you taking the time to read and comment. Blessings to you.

      Reply
  42. spotlightchoices.com-C. Wilson

    Enjoyed the poem of seasons!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you. I hope you are enjoying the weekend.

      Reply
      1. spotlightchoices.com-C. Wilson

        Hope that you enjoy this week!

        Reply
  43. da-AL

    wow – gorgeous & profound – I especially love hearing you read it

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Ah, thank you, da-AL.

      Reply
  44. Anonymous

    There is such truth in your moving words, Mary.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, and welcome to Midwest Mary.

      Reply
  45. Rebecca Cuningham

    So well expressed, that all life is seasonal.

    Reply
  46. Praveen Yadav

    So beautiful

    Reply

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