TO LIFE
i cannot say how many times i’ve loved you
as i love you now
or how often in the past i loved you
if i had the chance to love you over and over
and i cannot say how many times
i will love you in times to come
that i love you now is what matters
that i love your wild green and blue canopy
your perfumed reds in borders
you tumbling and still waters
your uneven paths and manicured ways
your antlers paws hooves long necks
and calls of longing in the night
that i love your pains and disappointments
laughter and celebration
and the air you let me breathe
i will go on loving you
against the threat of hoods salutes and banners
against the unthinking voices of division
against hate and race creed and colour
for to love you is to know
you are the way
and i thank you for your gifts
johnpoetflanagan 
A beautiful ode to life John. Thank you 💛
Val
Thank you so much
Always
john
The range of human emotions beyond a plethora yet too few to define the gift of human life, the most magnificent of all experiences. Life, what a gift! So eloquent and the insightful thoughts of a man humbled by the inexplicable value and gratefulness of the opportunity to simply be. Your best John my friend, your best. Ever your friend, Jon Michael
What a beautiful commentary
Jon My Friend
and truly from your heart, your most generous heart.
Ever Your Friend
john
Positively glorious, John. Well done. Hugs on the wing.
Thank You
Teagan
for this wonderful compliment
In deep appreciation
with love
john
Beautiful and much appreciated by one of tens of millions of Americans deeply troubled by the temper of the times in our country.
Thank You
Dear Karen
for this fine reply
and i hope it brought you and others a little comfort at a very difficult time
for America.
and thank you so much for the re-blog
Ever
john
Reblogged this on Karen Stephen aka Doc Flamingo.
A beautiful wreath, encircling your presence among us again, breathing and immersing.
Thank you
Charlie
for this subtle and sensitive response
i appreciate it enormously
Always
john
She’s beautiful, isn’t she?
Yes, she is, Alicia
Thank you
John
beautiful piece John ❤
Thank you so much for the fine support
My best
John
What a heartfelt and touching poem John, and timely too. Thanks. 🙂
Rebecca
Thank you very much
Much love
John
Very beautiful, John! Hope you are feeling as wonderful as this poem seems to indicate!
Kathleen
Thank you very much
I wish I could say I was feeling top of the world but no. Still, I felt I had to post this
Much love
John
sending you best wishes for continued progress and many smiles ;^)
A beautiful and powerful poem, John, and a reminder that love transends all. Wonderful to read you again. Hope your health is on the up. My best to you.
Chris,
Thank you very much indeed
Always
John
Thank you so much for this celebration of life, especially at this moment. I have missed your fine and wise writing.
Joan
My pleasure, and
Thank You
For the great comment and for the support
Much love
John
Welcome back John. I can only echo the other comments here. A fine, fine poem and a message that feels so relevant and essential in these troubled times.
Mark
Thank you very much
Yes, we’re in troubled times and troubled places; maybe by the end of the year there will be light.
Always my best to you
John
What a beautiful paean to life and rejection of all the hatred that seems to permeate our times. After this past weekend, this was much needed. Thank you, John.
The finest of responses
Dear Noelle
Thank You
Much love
John
Lovely John! ❤
Holly, Friend
Thank You
Much love
John
Dear John so glad to hear from you again beautiful poetry thank you. Right now I am in the hospital with my husband who had a stroke we were lucky got in here in time for them to dissolve it so right now he is parking along
Sent from my iPhone
>
Dear Myra
So so sorry to hear your husband is in hospital. I send him all the healing I can and to you, My Friend, strength and courage
Always
John
John, how wonderful to see your words once again here! I trust you are well. There has been such a void here in your absence! Beautiful words as always my friend. My weekend just improved 100%! Be well. Warmest regards,
Don
Don
Thank you so much,
you’re always such support and i appreciate it deeply.
Always
john
wow – this is the reality and a great wake up – as they say ““Life is what happens to us while we are making other plans.”
Mihran
Thank you
thank you very much for the fine response
My best to You
john
John! This made me cry…this made me feel! This made me love ❤
I hope you are well my friend…it has been too long.
Sweet blessings to you!
Lorrie
Thank you and so good to hear from you.
i’m doing a little better and i hope you are too.
With much love
john
Hi John, this is so well-expressed and poignant in these troubled times. Life, regardless of the bumps in the road, is a gift, and it is up to us to not take it for granted, voice our concerns if the opportunity arises, and live it to the fullest – enjoying “the wild green and blue canopy.”
Have a wonderful day, Lauren
Lauren
Thank you very much for this warm, sincere response, i appreciate it deeply.
with much love
john
Wonderful.
Reblogged this on Ace Friends & Bloggers News.
Cheers to life! Check out my blog please
https://crankyramblerblog.wordpress.com