Notes About The Poem

Written 20 December 2025

Placed First in Love Language of Yuletide Poetry Contest of Nette Onclaud 

Syllable count checked on wwwhowmanysyllables.com>syllable_counter

Acts of Service


The porch light flickers yellow in grey night,
     Biting cold seeps in, stiffening my bones,
          Soon, a shovel scrapes, screeching in the ice:
               My neighbour is clearing a snowy path-
                    “Need help or lights, fixing the tree?” I ask.

               These are not grand gestures, no trumpets blare,
          Just quiet hands reaching out in the dark,
     A warmth sparkling more than fire in the grate:
This, too, is Christmas love, an act to serve.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2025

Poem

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Poet Avatar
December 30, 2025 at 3:38 AM
Indeed. This brings me joy, a gentle warmth that resonates within. Humble gestures of kindness. So vital in this vast tapestry of existence :) Wishing you a joyous New Year, filled with hope and new beginnings. May the days ahead bring you light and laughter.
Dietrich Avatar
December 21, 2025 at 9:11 PM
Wow. I really like this. Simple acts of service. So important in the world
Guptar Avatar
December 23, 2025 at 2:56 AM
Thank you, poet friend, for appreciating the above poem and for simple acts of service in the world.
Godwin Avatar
December 21, 2025 at 12:23 PM
The accumulative effect of such kind acts is what could manifest a true brotherhood on earth. I loved reading this and, by the way, I could hear the shovel.
Guptar Avatar
December 23, 2025 at 2:43 AM
Thank you, poet friend, for appreciating the above poem and hoping for brotherhood of man on earth. Wish you and those near and dear to you a pious, auspicious and merry Christmas.
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