Notes About The Poem

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Poem written for and submitted to “One Frosty Winter Eve,” poetry contest, Tom Woody, sponsor, December 7, 2025. 

MISPLACED SCARF-One Frosty Winter Eve

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At half past five, when the streetlights blinked on, Mrs. Henderson patted her pockets—then frowned. Her favorite scarf, the wool one with ducks, had vanished between the bus stop and Dunk's. She retraced her steps past the slurping snowbanks, peered into gutters half-clogged with ice, even asked the displeased parking meter attendant, who shrugged and resumed his existential crisis. Meanwhile, two blocks down, a very large crow tugged at something blue in the branches of a spruce. A jogger slowed, squinted upward, and called, Hey! That’s not yours!—but the crow was no gracious goose. It cackled, triumphant, and launched into flight, scarf trailing like some bizarre kite tail. Mrs. Henderson, rounding the corner, gasped, then burst out laughing—what else to do? The crow dropped it (finally!) near the old diner, where it landed, quite softly, on a snowman’s neck. The snowman, indifferent, stared straight ahead. Mrs. Henderson sighed, tucked it in, stepped back. Keep it, she murmured. You’ll need it more. And the scarf stayed put—at least till the thaw.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2025

Poem

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Hind Avatar
December 8, 2025 at 8:32 PM
Sooo cute, Sara. LOL, I love your sense of humor; you know, it's a great asset to have, and getting rarer and rarer, awesome!!
Etgen-Baker Avatar
December 11, 2025 at 6:48 PM
aww, thank you, dear Paige. Glad you appreciate the humor....yes, we need more humor in today's world..... :-) Merry Christmas, hugs, Sara
George Avatar
December 7, 2025 at 8:14 PM
This is indeed a wonderful story, equally hilarious. When we grieve over a loss, if we see someone who needs more attention, forget about our loss and go to aid him and give him some cheer. That's the true spirit of Christmas!
Etgen-Baker Avatar
December 11, 2025 at 6:50 PM
I agree, Valsa. If we focus on others when we hurt, we're 100% better...yes, the true Christmas spirt. hugs, Sara
Kelii Kekaula Avatar
December 7, 2025 at 6:31 PM
I love this wonderful Christmas tale, very entertaining, indeed, with a most pleasant ending for other passersby to admire. Truly, the meaning of Christmas was meant to be for others, and not ourselves.
Etgen-Baker Avatar
December 11, 2025 at 6:50 PM
I appreciate your visit, William, and your appreciation for my poem. I agree, Christmas is about oneself; it's about others. Merry Christmas, my poet friend, Sara
Jones Avatar
December 7, 2025 at 5:49 PM
Your story was enchanting and I was thoroughly engaged! Sure you will do well in the contest!
Etgen-Baker Avatar
December 7, 2025 at 5:57 PM
thanks for visiting and for your words of encouragement. Merry Christmas
Gauthier Avatar
December 7, 2025 at 9:40 AM
Lovely story ~ Added to my FAVE's
Etgen-Baker Avatar
December 7, 2025 at 5:58 PM
awww, thank you! humbly grateful for the fave!
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