Notes About The Poem

This story is 100% true. It's from December, 1977, a long time ago... And there's a message here too... 

Christmas in Tel Aviv

  
      Deep in December in Tel Aviv
         I get off the bus down by the sea
      Temperature well over 80 degrees
         Humidity way up there -- geez   

       Sweat fairly pouring out of me
          I start humming ‘O, Christmas Tree’
        As I approach an Israeli
          He's staring right at me

        It’s Chanukah time here, you meshuginah* American Jew
           ~ True, but I miss ‘Peace on Earth, Goodwill toward Men,’ too



       _____________________________________________________________________   
        *Meshuginah' means 'completely crazy.'
Copyright © | Year Posted 2025

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

Etgen-Baker Avatar
December 14, 2025 at 4:51 PM
a delight to read. thank you
Elliott Avatar
December 14, 2025 at 4:04 PM
Good one, Gershon. Happiest of Chanukahs to you and your’s. Shalom!
Wolf Avatar
December 14, 2025 at 7:10 PM
Hey, thanks for the wishes, Regina. Tonight is the first night. Always special. Peace on Earth may ring hollow right now, yet efforts must be redoubled. What many don't get is that these efforts include eliminating the terrorists, who are causing the lack of peace. ~ Gershon
Goldsmith Avatar
December 14, 2025 at 12:54 PM
This maybe an old write from December, 1977 but just as great as the day you wrote it. Love This... "Happy Chanukah" to you and your family. Many Blessings...........
Wolf Avatar
December 14, 2025 at 7:16 PM
Ha, ha. I hated poetry and poems back in 1977. Yucky... Only now can I appreciate moments like Christmas in Tel-Aviv...
Rodrigues Avatar
December 14, 2025 at 11:36 AM
Love this! Fave!
Wolf Avatar
December 14, 2025 at 7:22 PM
Alright, Kim! Many thanks and much appreciated! Season's best, Gershon
DiMino Avatar
December 14, 2025 at 8:27 AM
True American Spirit. A melting pot. I alternate blessings this time of year. It is all good. Blessings to you and your loved ones my friend. Shalom. You are not crazy.
Wolf Avatar
December 14, 2025 at 7:28 PM
Aw, and I was semi-hoping you'd think I was crazy, Joe. lol.
Lawless Avatar
December 14, 2025 at 7:35 AM
In the end we'll all be standing in the same waiting line....
Wolf Avatar
December 14, 2025 at 7:31 PM
Seems that way.
Jones Avatar
December 14, 2025 at 1:25 AM
Good rhymes and I’m glad you kept the spirit!
Wolf Avatar
December 14, 2025 at 7:41 PM
I'm just wacky is all...
Maverick Avatar
December 13, 2025 at 11:01 PM
May the peace of God be with you G W I aim no weapons..Yet I aim with intent.'
Bianco Avatar
December 13, 2025 at 10:08 PM
Hi Gershon, this is precious in a disturbing sort of way. Is this a true story? Merry Christmas and happy Hanukkah By the way I think you're an American Jewel. Anthony
Bianco Avatar
December 13, 2025 at 11:35 PM
Well, Afterall Gershon, Jew is in the word jewel, so it really does make perfect sense. God bless Anthony
Wolf Avatar
December 13, 2025 at 10:32 PM
Gee, Anthony. I don't think anyone has ever said something so nice to me i my life. I really appreciate it. I'm going to show my wife tomorrow morning. Here's to a Merry Christmas for you and yours. Faith and Serenity, Gershon
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