Michelle Faulkner Poet Free verse

Notes About The Poem

This is actually the 'Shadorma' form, introduced to me by my poetess friend Rhona Mcferran - thank you!  (Also the 'Mom's carols' line has a double meaning for me, since my mother's name IS Carol!)

An Atheist's Christmas

Frosty sky
Lush local wood, chopped
Evergreen
Fragrant pine
Fills our home with holidays
Guiding star on top

Spiced cider
Peppermint cocoa
Gingerbread
Garlands, wreaths
Holly berries sprinkle red
Festive door greetings

Mom's carols
Of babes in mangers
Three wise men
Journey far
Angels, shepherds, miracles
Tradition belongs

We are not
Grim cheerless police
Glad tidings
We offer
Yes, we say Merry Christmas
In more than one way

We believe
Goodwill moves the world
Candles lit
Wish for peace
You and I are more alike
Labels camouflage

Christmas Eve
Stockings, cookies, snow
Jesus and
Santa teach
Goodness, giving, to children
My faith lies in these.

11/27/18

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L Milton Hankins December 24, 2020 at 8:18 PM Sitting here alone on Christmas Eve, reading Christmas poems, and having a skeptic's view of the nativity, I was really impressed with your poem. Well written. Thanks for sharing, and, of course, congratulations on your win.

Constance La France December 24, 2020 at 1:50 AM Michelle, congratulations on your win in my Christmas Poem old or new contest with this wonderful poem, Merry Christmas _Constance

L. J. Carber December 23, 2020 at 1:00 PM There are people who speak of God; there are people who ponder God; but the best are those who have God in their hearts--and I suspect that's what counts with Him, whether you believe or not.

Sam Kauffman December 22, 2020 at 11:15 AM It is a good "faith" dear friend as you see the "goodness" born every year in this season that hopefully continues through the year! I so enjoyed reading your poem that brings back wonderful memories in an aura of the warm and cozy celebration! Sending you blessings of the season and, yes, Merry Christmas!

Faraz Ajmal December 22, 2018 at 1:02 PM Such a wonderful poem this is and I absolutely love reading it, well since it is 22 December today, so I wish you a merry Christmas and a really happy new year Michelle Faulkner December 29, 2018 at 2:35 PM Thank you, so glad you like it, hope your Christmas was good and you have a fun New Year's!

Winged Warrior December 5, 2018 at 6:20 AM Wow!...very well executed Michelle...ready for a big win...love & light...^WW^ Michelle Faulkner December 8, 2018 at 4:12 PM Sadly, didn't make the winner's list, but am happy you enjoyed it!

Gershon Wolf December 1, 2018 at 8:42 PM Read this one again, and it is even better the second time around. So true! We all have so much in common that the labels obfuscate. Wonderful write, Michelle. This just resonates so with me and within me. Thank you for writing it. :) gw Michelle Faulkner December 3, 2018 at 12:22 AM Ultimately, we share more in common - that was the message I was trying to convey - so glad for your introspective comment!

Harry Horsman November 29, 2018 at 4:28 PM Excellent poetry, and the message and understanding. it projects. Michelle Faulkner December 3, 2018 at 12:23 AM Thank you, much appreciated!

Rhona Mcferran November 28, 2018 at 6:48 PM This is terrific, Michelle! A very lovely use of one of my favorite forms!! ;) Michelle Faulkner November 29, 2018 at 12:57 PM Thanks for your visit and kind comment, Rhona!

Lindsay Laurie November 28, 2018 at 6:44 PM G'day Michelle … I'm not sure, but many have deserted the meaning of Christmas, but not the spirit of Christmas. It's a wonderful time for families and to show good will - thank you Michelle - Lindsay Michelle Faulkner November 29, 2018 at 12:59 PM Yes, I believe it's about being with family and showing kindness to each other - thanks for your comment!

Pat Adams November 28, 2018 at 5:09 PM Very well written Michelle! My motto is what ever makes you feel better, roll with it!!!............80) Michelle Faulkner November 29, 2018 at 1:00 PM We share the same motto, Pat, thanks for commenting!

Sand Blown November 27, 2018 at 7:19 PM hohoho...right out of a 'griswald' christmas Michelle Faulkner November 27, 2018 at 10:56 PM Thanks, I love 'Christmas Vacation', watch it every year!

M. L. Kiser November 27, 2018 at 6:52 PM Beautifully done. A wonderful word picture of the Holiday. Michelle Faulkner November 27, 2018 at 10:56 PM Thank you so much, have a joyful holiday season!

Freddie Robinson Jr. November 27, 2018 at 6:49 PM Splendid poetry, Michelle! You expressed your belief w/fine poetic articulation. I'm a Christ believer ... Santa, not so much. LoL! Wonderful poetry, it winter snow sparkles. Love and peace always. Michelle Faulkner November 27, 2018 at 11:01 PM Thank you, Freddie, have a Merry Christmas! (See I do say it!)

Chris Green November 27, 2018 at 4:18 PM This was wonderful Michelle and such a great message flows through your lines. Christmas is more than religion, it is a time of peace and friendship and happiness for most. Some may find sorrow in the day for good reason but still recognize friends and family as gifts. I really enjoyed this. Best of luck in the contest Michelle Faulkner November 27, 2018 at 4:34 PM Yes, friends and family are gifts, so happy you enjoyed this!

Gershon Wolf November 27, 2018 at 4:08 PM Interesting take on Christmas...As I, a traditional Jew, have always maintained when challenged by narrow-minded co-religionists: What in heaven is wrong with 'Peace on Earth, Goodwill toward Men?!' (That usually silences them---although not always). Well-crafted! Season's best! ~ Gershon Michelle Faulkner November 27, 2018 at 4:32 PM So glad for your encouraging comments, season's greetings to you, too!

Carolyn Devonshire November 27, 2018 at 3:06 PM People who have no faith in God can still have faith in their fellow men, Michelle. My own father was raised without religion and had all of the wonderful qualities you described so eloquently. My entry will be about him, but I'm still working on it. Best wishes in the contest! Michelle Faulkner November 27, 2018 at 4:31 PM Thank you for your comment, Carolyn (that's my mother's name too!)