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
  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. 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
  19. mjeanpike

    This is so lovely, Mary.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Jean. Enjoy this beautiful day.

      Reply
  20. 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
  21. 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
  22. Jacqui Murray

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

    Reply
  23. Stephanie

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

    Reply
  24. Lauren Scott, Author

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

    Reply
  25. Angela

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

    Reply
  26. Priti

    So beautiful ❤️

    Reply
  27. Savvy Raj

    Lovely read,Mary

    Reply

Talk to me. I’m curious about your thoughts and comments.