Christmas

The bells are calling as the snowflakes fall Illuminations twinkle with delight A goodwill message sent to one and all The joys of Christmas fill this festive night. Excited children gaze with gleaming eyes They think of Santa and his gifts galore Their hearts fast beating at each wrapped surprise Anticipation of what lies in store. The smell of cooking, stuffing, sweets and drink Pervades the nostrils, tempting with desire. Food in abundance, bulging glasses clink The ambience pleasing, by a cozy fire. In glaring contrast, by deserted docks A hobo shivers in a cardboard box. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Contest: Shakespearean Sonnet Hosted by Carolyn Devonshire Placed 6th © 21st October 2018

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Jennifer Proxenos

Date: 11/29/2018 9:03:00 AM

What a beautiful poem Paul, and what a vivid contrast you describe at the end of your poem between the have and have nots! As a thirld world country, we are reminded of this all too often! Congratulations Paul, Warm regards, Jennifer

Paul Callus
Date: 11/29/2018 9:34:00 AM

Thank you, Jennifer; your meaningful feedback is appreciated. My sister went to South Africa some years ago....she came back empty-handed...gave away all she took with her! Warm regards // paul

Jack Horne

Date: 11/29/2018 8:43:00 AM

love the clever contrasts in this beautiful poem, my friend

Paul Callus
Date: 11/29/2018 9:22:00 AM

Glad you enjoyed it, Jack...thank you. Best regards // paul

David Byrne

Date: 11/26/2018 6:02:00 PM

LOL, I can smell the Christmas cake and I'm dying to hear the hobos backstory :)

Paul Callus
Date: 11/27/2018 8:46:00 AM

Thank you for reading and commenting, David. For many, the Christmas spirit is already on the way...for others it is still a long way off! Regards // paul

Constance La France

Date: 11/24/2018 11:07:00 AM

Paul, first congratulations on your deserving win in the contest, with this beautifully penned poem. Those last two lines, in such contrast with the rest of the poem, struck deep into my heart, I have seen that hobo, he is at every corner downtown in my city, at every deserted place, exceptional writing, well done ~

Paul Callus
Date: 11/26/2018 10:24:00 AM

Many thanks for your meaningful feedback, Constance. Alas, those hobos do exist, but many eyes fail to even notice them! Regards // paul

Judy Ball

Date: 11/19/2018 3:08:00 PM

Beautifully done with a jarring twist. It brings home the importance of having a less fortunate guest at your Christmas dinner table. It has always made my holiday so much more blessed if I could have at east one person there who had nowhere else to go. Great job here. God Bless, JB

Paul Callus
Date: 11/19/2018 3:20:00 PM

Thank you, Judy. It is satisfying when one can pay a visit, spend a while talking, take a cake to a lonely elderly person, etc. especially on special days such as Christmas. Regards // paul

Sunlite Wanter

Date: 11/14/2018 9:54:00 AM

You give us joy and then bring us to our senses. Loved the writing.

Paul Callus
Date: 11/14/2018 12:12:00 PM

That is a very lovely and meaningful comment, Sunlite! Thank you! Best regards // paul

Carole Duet

Date: 11/10/2018 11:36:00 AM

Great juxtaposition and a poem to remember. FAVED!

Paul Callus
Date: 11/10/2018 2:38:00 PM

Thank you, Carole; both the lovely comments and fave are truly appreciated! Regards // paul

Nick Trim

Date: 11/10/2018 5:50:00 AM

Great write

Paul Callus
Date: 11/10/2018 8:43:00 AM

Thank you, Nick. I try to do my best! Regards // paul

Sara Kendrick

Date: 11/7/2018 12:47:00 PM

The contrast is striking and wrenches the heart. Enjoyed reading today. Sara

Paul Callus
Date: 11/7/2018 1:02:00 PM

Thank you, Sara; it is a pleasure to have you visiting! Glad you enjoyed. Best regards // paul

Darlene De Beaulieu

Date: 11/6/2018 12:38:00 PM

Hello Paul, you have painted a beautiful winter scene. But i feel so sad for the hobo feeling cold. have a nice day my friend.

Paul Callus
Date: 11/6/2018 3:50:00 PM

Thank you, Darlene. So glad that you enjoyed my sonnet. Like you, I also feel sad for the hobo! Best regards // paul

Brian Densham

Date: 11/6/2018 11:29:00 AM

Great imagery made sharper through contrast. Very nice!

Paul Callus
Date: 11/6/2018 2:02:00 PM

Pleased that you read and enjoyed, Brian...thank you! Regards // paul

Regina Mcintosh

Date: 11/2/2018 4:06:00 AM

I loved the poem. I feel for the homeless!!!! Very good poem. Thank you.

Paul Callus
Date: 11/6/2018 1:53:00 PM

Your lovely character is reflected in these lovely comments of yours, Regina! Thank you. Take care...paul

Robert Lindley

Date: 11/1/2018 8:41:00 PM

Brilliant, and truly inspiring sonnet my great friend. That you made the contrast reveals the depths of your poetry, empathy and wisdom, IMHO. A true gem and fav...

Paul Callus
Date: 11/6/2018 1:30:00 PM

Thank you, Robert, for your sincere complimentary remarks. The fave is also much appreciated, my friend. [Excuse the late reply, since I was away on holiday.] Regards // paul

Ralph Sergi

Date: 10/29/2018 8:20:00 PM

A great contrasting poem, Paul.

Paul Callus
Date: 10/30/2018 8:39:00 AM

Thank you, Ralph. Pleased to have you stopping by. Regards // paul

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 10/29/2018 7:34:00 PM

oh wow, that sharp contrast at the end. Well expressed memories of Christmas, so dear to us all. Congrats on your win too

Paul Callus
Date: 10/30/2018 8:38:00 AM

Thank you, Andrea. I gambled on those end lines:) Regards // paul

Winged Warrior

Date: 10/29/2018 7:21:00 AM

A sad contrast indeed...we as poets have to change that...this is a great start, Paul...awareness is bliss...love & light...^WW^

Paul Callus
Date: 10/29/2018 11:21:00 AM

Thank you, WW. "...awareness is bliss..." strikes the right note! Regards // paul

Joyce Johnson

Date: 10/27/2018 9:24:00 PM

Very nicely done and contrast is shattering. Love, Joyce

Paul Callus
Date: 10/28/2018 10:42:00 AM

Thank you for your lovely comments, dear Joyce; they are truly cherished. Take care & Hugs // paul

Connie Marcum Wong

Date: 10/27/2018 3:37:00 PM

I am so happy to see this on the winners list Paul. As you know I thought it was brilliant! Congratulations on your placement! : )

Paul Callus
Date: 10/28/2018 10:40:00 AM

Your congrats and sincere support is truly appreciated, Connie...thank you! Regards // paul

Deb Radke

Date: 10/27/2018 2:25:00 PM

Congratulations on your win with this beautifully written, thought-provoking sonnet. I am especially moved by this poem. Your win is very well-deserved. My best. Deb

Paul Callus
Date: 10/28/2018 10:38:00 AM

You are too kind, Deb...in turn I am moved by your comments...thank you! Best regards // paul

Rob Carmack

Date: 10/27/2018 1:09:00 AM

Amazing just how far apart we can become, I liked how you ended this. Congrats Paul.

Paul Callus
Date: 10/28/2018 10:37:00 AM

Thank you, Rob. I too enjoyed your winning entry, especially the smooth flowing meter. Regards // paul

Tom Cunningham

Date: 10/27/2018 12:56:00 AM

Back to congratulate you Paul. I knew this one would do well. Tom.

Carolyn Devonshire

Date: 10/26/2018 11:40:00 PM

Your sonnet touches on all of the senses, Paul, and has perfect form as well. I absolutely love it! Congratulations on your win in a highly competitive contest. Hugs, Carolyn

Paul Callus
Date: 10/27/2018 5:27:00 PM

Thank you Carolyn (and that includes Jack) for the lovely feedback and placement in the final list. I have already read some of the winning entries, and as you state, the contest appears to have been quite competitive. Hugs // paul

Besma Riabi Dziri

Date: 10/26/2018 10:12:00 AM

Always the wonders of art intertwine with the beauty of heart.. Christmas is in the air! A wonderful and cheerful Sonnet that ends with the harsh reality of so many people on earth! May God bless us with beauty and bliss. My deepest regards Paul.

Paul Callus
Date: 10/26/2018 1:34:00 PM

Thank you so much for your lovely feedback, Besma. Always a pleasure to have you stopping by, my friend. May you have a lovely and blessed weekend. Warm regards // paul

Connie Marcum Wong

Date: 10/25/2018 3:03:00 AM

Wow Paul, your ending transforms this sweet vision into a serious plight for the unfortunate, that stabs at the heart. Brilliant! : )

Paul Callus
Date: 10/25/2018 11:31:00 AM

Many thanks, Connie:) Your feedback is much appreciated. Regards

Viv Wigley

Date: 10/24/2018 9:11:00 PM

A time of contrasts indeed, Paul, hopefully it motivates people to be a little kinder. Regards, Viv

Paul Callus
Date: 10/25/2018 2:07:00 AM

I agree with you, Viv; kindness is a must to share, not only at Christmas, but all the year round. Thank you for stopping by, my friend. Hope life is bright on your side of the fence. Regards // paul