Jaycee Cervenka Poet Free verse

Remember the Forgotten

The season approaches,
Speeding toward us on arctic zephyrs,
but the coldness is more than air
it seeps under the skin
where loneliness begins.

Is there any other day
where solitude's talons rake,
mutilating peace of mind,
quite so much as Christmastide.

Every commercial, acid sweet,
pouring depression over wounded souls,
digs it way to the past.
Memories of brighter days
faintly gleam in the background.

The twinkle of lights are
only merry when shared.
Lumps of coal bitterness 
are all that remain; 
Hard Candy Christmas
without the sweet--
Not even an orange seed.

Ask Ebeneezer,
he will tell you 
Bah and Hum Bug feelings
are all there are.
Until kindness reaches out,
Memories are no chrism
for loneliness--for onliness.

Solo flights over Christmas lights
No protective V to shelter
no tandem lift for spirits
even in a bottle;
just wings ever weakening;
Lifeforce ever shrinking
on this journey to the end.

One invitation--
one empathetic heart
in the true spirit 
to celebrate en
mass for Christ;
hands extended heart open
turn gleaming tears
to smiles of gratitude.

Forget the gifts
except those God-given
it is they that open
the  Kingdom of Heaven
"Inasmuch as ye have
done to the least of these
my brethren,
ye have done unto me."*

So open wide the doors,
invite the lonely in,
add a plate to the table
shared with kith and kin.

Embrace the coldness
of an empty heart
to fill it with riches
as you let them be a part
of a family again,
if only for a while.

Remember that neighbor
who sits on his own, 
great uncle dan eating 
crackers and microwave meals,
or even the couple who just moved in
or the old sad lady who lives next to them.

Christmastime can glitter
and be the darkest blue.
It's hues and lightness
vary, impacted and changed by you.
Don't know one with this face?
Open your eyes,
but peer with your heart.

If someone comes to mind,
beckon them, Come!
It's a place to begin.



* Matthew 25:40

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Funom Makama January 23, 2016 at 11:55 AM Wisdom and arts hug as twins in between your lines. A wonderful 7 Jaycee Cervenka January 24, 2016 at 9:46 PM Thank you so much, dear Funom! It was good to see you on.

Susan Gentry December 20, 2015 at 8:33 AM A 7 in my book. This is the spirit of Christmas! Very well written, needs to be said so much more. You described heartbreaking loneliness. Jaycee Cervenka December 21, 2015 at 9:49 AM Susan, there are so many left with no one to care. Spreading joy is a small thing. May you have a blessed Christmastide, full of love and sharing. JC

Anne-Lise Andresen December 19, 2015 at 8:19 AM - Christmas hugs and thanks for this beautiful poem, J. - I wish you and your family a delicious and peaceful Christmas :) - // Anne-Lise :) Jaycee Cervenka December 21, 2015 at 9:47 AM Merry Christmas to you and your family also, Anne Lise. May you be blessed the whole year through.

Eric Boddie December 14, 2015 at 9:30 PM To Put The Word Into Action....is better than receiving fashion....it is better than being paid....because it will decrease mistakes made....its better than a new car....because it Lifts The Spirit Far....its better than a new house....and at times, even a new spouse....it is the greatest feeling that could ever begin....because when you do, your Blessings will never end....Beautiful jaycee....just Beautiful....;) Jaycee Cervenka December 15, 2015 at 6:29 AM Eric, your response is as good as my poem...And much shorter...lol. Thank you for stopping by to read. I always appreciated your poetic comments. You make me smile. Jan