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06.01.2024

Anne-Lise Andresen
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7th place in the contest

- Flashback -

                                         Baby Jesus wrapped
                                          in soft tissue paper
                                           Mary and Joseph
                                        in a bubble plastic bag
                                         The three wise men
                                               wrapped in a 
                                           Christmas napkin

                                      The cow is missing an ear
                                     and the sheep have become
                                               slightly yellow -
                                            a donkey and an ox
                                             are also included

                                               No angels sing,
                                         the star is extinguished
                                           History and symbols
                                         placed in a dark cabinet
                                    Same procedure as every year

                                              The mantelpiece
                                                   is empty
                                             Wait and expect
                                               all-consuming
                                            hope is sucked out
                                                 empty mind
                                                 Believe when
                                          all doubt is against you
                                      Enjoy the beautiful dim twilight

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Sotto Poet

January 12, 2024 at 1:17 PM

Back with hearty congrats, on your winning placement Anne-Lise.

Silent One

January 12, 2024 at 1:14 PM

Congratulations on your placement in the contest..

Ink Empress

January 12, 2024 at 10:31 AM

So true same it feels, how deeply moving and heartfelt is your poem dear anne lise. Its so good to again see you here on soup even on winners lists! I always enjoy reading your poems and this is no exception! Congratulations on your well deserved win!

Malabika Ray Choudhury

January 12, 2024 at 7:18 AM

A very special poem - Dear Anne-Lise, deep and intriguing! Congratulations on your win.

Charlotte Puddifoot

January 12, 2024 at 4:47 AM

i think this is a very affecting, atmospheric write - i read more into it than just the packing away of christmas decorations; that fourth stanza is intriguing and hints at a darkness in history...congrats on your win in my contest!

Speaks Volumes

January 8, 2024 at 9:19 PM

I worried when you had the baby wrapped in tissue paper - surly you meant swaddling clothes. Then i read on. and you magically entered our home, and described the procedure exactly. I am not sure how you snuck in Anne-Lise or did you peep through a window? which ever you warmed my heart as that feeling overcame me, that it was all over.. The star no longer shines, the house isn't adorned with green and red and silver and it no longer smells of pine needles, all the carols are packed away and promises of peace and goodwill to man are all that remain. Your poem and the thought you put into writing are priceless.

Paula Goldsmith

January 8, 2024 at 8:14 AM

Your "Flashback" is a creative/true write. Warm picture. All my decorations have been put away. Hugs... Have a blessed day by the warm fire.................

Victor Buhagiar

January 8, 2024 at 2:12 AM

I never forget Christmas. Very detailed poem. Hugs.

Eve Roper

January 7, 2024 at 8:29 PM

Christmas is over, and all decorations put away, for some. ( I still have mine up, remembrance still lingers of faith) That insert in the fireplace does keep the chill out. Well done my friend.

Evelyn Judy Buehler

January 7, 2024 at 1:44 PM

Especially at Christmas, one finds that where there's love, there is faith and hope. So nicely written. hugs :)

Joseph May

January 7, 2024 at 12:33 PM

We must hold on to faith, Very nicely penned Anne

Jay Narain

January 7, 2024 at 10:28 AM

Nice poem. We pack all the Christmas decoration with the hope of reassemble next year. Hope is eternal,

Hiya Sharma

January 7, 2024 at 1:02 AM

This is a deeply heartfelt poem, dear Anne-Lise.. You have so creatively dealt with the dimensions where our faith and hopes are tested through a time of darkness and we are called to keep our beliefs connected, as it may result either in a lustrous glow of life or fade like a fleeting moment in a despairing phase.. An intricate and thought-provoking poem.. Compels me to ponder.. Enjoyed reading this, sending you love & light~ hugs :)

Mrs. Yolanda Nicholsen

January 6, 2024 at 5:44 PM

Such a lovely write have a blessed night.

Anne-Lise Andresen

January 10, 2024 at 11:21 AM

- Yolanda, many thanks for your comment :) - hugs

Sotto Poet

January 6, 2024 at 2:48 PM

Anne-Lise your poem exhibits exceptional imagery, a captivating flow, and a remarkable display of imagination. It explores the concept that faith reaches its highest or lowest point when tested.

Anne-Lise Andresen

January 8, 2024 at 4:00 AM

- You are right about that, Las ... "high and low" - Many thanks for your comment :) - hugs