The Bibelot

(just posting today. I am running like crazy
trying to get Christmas projects done! But I hope
to be here tonight to read poems! OH, and to understand'
this sonnet more fully, you need to know what
"Bibelot" needs. An intereseting word I learned 
when I took the challenge to use that word in a poem!
If you really want to know the word, you'll have to 
look it up or ask me!!) Luv, Andrea

The Bibelot

There never could have been a Christmas better-
that first one spent alone near firelight.
She gave him some cologne; a blue wool sweater
to match the hue his eyes shone with delight.

He tore the tissues red and green, and she
more delicately opened with a thrill
each gift he’d tied with ribbon clumsily.
And then he held one out, and she grew still,
for it was small, which had to mean one thing. . .
it had to be the best he’d saved for last!
She held her breath.  Oh, could it be a ring?

The glitter of its gems was unsurpassed.
Each stone adorned an object most exquisite.
She looked it up and down; then asked, “What is it?”
Copyright © | Year Posted 2010

Poem

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Watt Avatar
August 16, 2020 at 10:14 PM
Great buildup and perfect ending. Rhyming exquisite with "what is it?" Another classic from Cheshire Chuckles. Your sense of humor really seems to get inspired by Christmas, Andrea!
Henderson Avatar
December 13, 2010 at 6:24 PM
You peaked me enough to go to the net. good word, hope I can remember it. Thanks for all your kind comments lately. Charles
Culverhouse Avatar
December 13, 2010 at 8:07 AM
enjoyed have me curious...
K. Avatar
December 11, 2010 at 10:12 PM
You sure got me researching on what "bibelot" is --at first I read it as "biblelot" thought it was about a bible or something-- reading this sort of reminded me of O. Henry-- it had that feel of that for me-- that last line of yours sure put a spin to this--- it made me feel for the guy--you did a wonderful take on the challenge word -- bravo to you :) hugs to you again :)
Villarosa Avatar
December 11, 2010 at 8:25 PM
The place and timing have an aura of romance, the gift represents as tie between them in times of solitude. The gift could be extreme of its kind that he saved it giving on a perfect place and time. Beautiful read this morning, Andrea. (^_^) Noel.
Okwudili Avatar
December 11, 2010 at 10:39 AM
beautiful and creative...
Sweetheart Avatar
December 11, 2010 at 5:45 AM
Thankxxx for enjoying the hot chocolate Andrea..haha.. it has become a regular with these frigid temps here in N.J... appreciate the sweet and cute comments always..my friend.. happy weekend...too..luv..
Bloomsfield Avatar
December 11, 2010 at 12:20 AM
Curious beautiful and rare. .thats a special gift :)as your verses are.
Bloomsfield Avatar
December 11, 2010 at 12:16 AM
i think he gave her the bibelot :). .what could it be. .i think bibelot is something sacred. .the ring of eternity? :) going to check. .romance and suspense. .intrigiung
Devonshire Avatar
December 10, 2010 at 11:03 PM
Thanks for stopping by, Andrea. I don't think E.A. Robinson committed suicide, but he lived a lonely life and never married. He may have been afraid of passing his brother's mental illness on to his children. These things can run in families. Robinson led a very dark life and it's reflected in his work. Love, Carolyn
Byrne Avatar
December 10, 2010 at 8:21 PM
A small precious object of sentimental value? Lovely atmosphere in this sonnet!
Peranteau Avatar
December 10, 2010 at 8:05 AM
A great poem Andrea ! I like the fact that you left it to the reader to figure out what "Bibelot" meant..it made the poem very intriguing ! I was curious..I read the poem first, then looked up its meaning, then read it again. Though it had the same effect after I read its meaning, I still was elated to read it ! Great write dear poet ! much love, james
Sweetheart Avatar
December 10, 2010 at 7:55 AM
SOUP MAIL in a few minutes.. URGENT...
Sweetheart Avatar
December 10, 2010 at 5:01 AM
Well thankxxx Andrea for your special comments on my contest entry and so glad I got the meaning correct on this beautiful poem... sometimes what is the expectation ...in reality ..is still only our dream..for a certain gift from a special someone... happy weekend my friend with luv..
Neels Avatar
December 9, 2010 at 9:15 PM
Hehe, I love it so adorable.. A pity it was not what she expected but I would still cherish it.. It's the thought that counts, love Wilma
Guzzi Avatar
December 9, 2010 at 2:23 PM
so filled with the wonder and joy of the moment I LOVE it! Light & Love
Haick Avatar
December 9, 2010 at 1:52 PM
Love the Sonnet, Andrea. She ruined the moment, though. LoL It was probably, one of Grandma's beautiful brooches of intricate design made special for Grandma! Goes to my favs. list! Love, Audrey
Babcock Avatar
December 9, 2010 at 11:26 AM
I guess she was expecting a ring. soup mail. Phyl
Kendrick Avatar
December 9, 2010 at 9:36 AM
The small object of beauty or rarity..What is it? That is a good question for it leaves the audience wondering with no answer....Sara
R Avatar
December 9, 2010 at 9:35 AM
I knew what 'bibelot' means--I didn't have to check-hehe-- because we have the word 'bibelou' for trincket in Romanian. I think it derives from French. Cute story...but i didn't quite get if she liked it or was just disappointed that it wasn't a ring! A cute word and a beautiful poem! Wow--so cool that you can write when you're so busy, I need to be in my 'writing mood' to write, can't write at all when I'm a rush! And what Christmas projects are you working on? :D Hugs to you, dear:)
Devonshire Avatar
December 9, 2010 at 9:08 AM
Ah, she should have just admired the gems for their beauty. His feelings were probably hurt when she asked what it was. People who are ungrateful for gifts usually don't get many more from the same giver. Learned this through experience and it resulted in me buying fewer gifts. Enjoyed your poem, Andrea. Now please try to relax a bit and enjoy the holidays. You and your son will have a lot to celebrate! Love, Carolyn
Walsh Avatar
December 9, 2010 at 9:07 AM
Really great, Andrea - enjoyed it! Liz
Sweetheart Avatar
December 9, 2010 at 8:30 AM
Well I just looked it up and it means a small household ornament or trinket ... so perfect piece Andrea.. and from the Queen of Sonnets in my estimation...am I right on the dictionary meaning my friend?
Austin Avatar
December 9, 2010 at 7:56 AM
Well -thankselot. How uncaring. I mean like - the poor stud with good intentions. What does he get - a scratchy wool sweater and some scent. I got it! The ring or whatever came out of a box of crackerjacks. Seriously now. I like this poem very mucho. Love, Dave
Mehta Avatar
December 9, 2010 at 7:40 AM
Nice sonnet to make one curious, anxious with the little object or a small object of curiosity, beauty, or rarity. You seem to be getting a that trinket or small precious gift, Andrea
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