Christmas Biography

quatrains

My mom and dad loved one another
They said their “ I do’s” in ’37 
then birthed two girls with their big brother
by their tenth Christmas in ’47.

Jovial times for the five of us
Three well-mannered kids, gifts from heaven
We had our holly Jolly Christmas
before Burl Ives in ’57.

Ten more years added two grandkids quick
when brother wed his sweetheart and friend.
Kids wait once more for  Jolly St. Nick
Toys ‘neath the tree in ’67.

When next the decade finds me checking
I’m a wife, mother and aunt again.
This season three extras come decking
the Jolly halls in ’77.

We add a son. My oldest niece weds.
Her brother weds too, a Korean.
Fourth generation – two “great” girl kids
make Christmas rock in ’87.

Death takes its toll, both parents succumb.
Divorce claims two, four go to heaven.
New mates are found and babies still come
Four 'Jollys' had left us by 97.

No more gatherings of Jolly’s in sync
Nuptials and newborns increase our kin.
Breakups/adoptions buckle the links
that knot our gang,  Christmas ’07

Moving ahead  - ten more years outlined
Lots of fresh faces, some never seen
Thank God, for Facebook, pictures I find
Young Jolly green giants in ‘17.

Six more years pass changing the Jolly Tree
We see adoptions, babies, new mate, death.
Count: forty-six folks in year ’23. 
In six generations, only two 'Jollys' left.
  
*My maiden name is Jolly which adds a lot of fun and joking especially at Christmas time.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2010

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Sweetheart Avatar
December 13, 2010 at 1:00 PM
A wonderful write ..very insightful bio full of luv and sorrow with parents departed Reason.. hope your holidays will be bright and cheery my friend.. appreciate3 your many congrats on my recent wins. with luv..
Mehta Avatar
December 11, 2010 at 3:30 PM
Nice expressions at this time of the season, reason
Kendrick Avatar
December 10, 2010 at 3:38 PM
Good one..Changes that come over a lifetime is not easy..Sara
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace