John Lawless Poet Free verse

JOY HELD HOSTAGE

He’s been on the lawn
Every year…for 40 years
A four foot tall plastic
Glowing, snowman
 I sat with him yesterday
As he looked a bit down.
Asked “what’s up old friend?”
He sighed, slowly spoke
Asking “where are all my friends?”
“There are no angels across the street
No bells chiming down the way
I haven’t heard one Christmas carol
Or seen one silly Christmas sweater”

I hesitated to tell him
The Grinch had actually
Stolen Christmas
Or at least held its joy hostage.
He flinched when I told him
“some even take offense at you”
Because of what you symbolize,
What you stir in the hearts of children
Reawaken in the hearts of alleged adults.

My neighbors are trying to figure out
Why I was sitting on the lawn
Singing Frosty the Snowman
Loudly and somewhat off key

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Jeanette Swan December 30, 2025 at 3:41 AM The best way to sing, al fresco. Nice.

Hilda Greenhough December 21, 2025 at 10:51 PM Yes, grinches all over the country are buying plastic snowmen. I advise that you keep it up throughout the summer for the best affect. I prefer Nan bells that gong at the slightest puff of breeze. Merry Christmas. I enjoyed your poem.

Gershon Wolf December 20, 2025 at 7:55 PM Only you can bring the joy. ~ Smokey the Snowman

sara Etgen-Baker December 20, 2025 at 5:49 PM when I read your poem I do think the joy of the season has been held hostage....not entirely sure why--fewer lights, fewer parties, fewer Xmas cards....has the Grinch really stolen Christmas or have we just forgotten to see the joy around us?

Ilene Bauer December 20, 2025 at 2:08 PM it's strange reading this poem today, john, because my husband and i were having a conversation yesterday about how many fewer holiday lights and decorations there seem to be this year Nd how many fewer cards we get and he said, "there's just a lot less joy around now." i guess many people are feeling the same... sara Etgen-Baker December 20, 2025 at 5:48 PM I've noticed the same thing here in our neighborhood....saddening