Notes About The Poem

The Park Bench At Christmas

Christmas can be a very difficult time of year for the homeless there’s no Christmas cheer Ted is a war veteran who suffers from PTSD sadly he’s estranged from his whole family He walked out of home, it was a terrible wrench now his regular bed is a hard cramped park bench His threadbare coat doesn’t keep out the cold as he recalls his life before depression took hold He is many miles from home, he misses his wife but his poor mental state led to marital strife On Christmas Eve he’s spotted by a homeless charity they know a safe place where he can seek sanctuary One man dressed as an elf gently rouses Ted he offers Ted food and a roof over his head He says they need help preparing Christmas dinner Ted is an excellent cook, so they are on to a winner The charity gives help to get Ted back on his feet In time he goes home, and his life is now sweet Image 1 The Park Bench at Christmas Contest Sponsored by Sara Kendrick 12/2/18
Copyright © | Year Posted 2018

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Moorman Avatar
December 17, 2018 at 3:46 PM
Jan, your entry should have been at the top of the list. Just as a matter of information, I am laying the groundwork to start a program at our local VA Medical Center in conjunction with Celebrate Recovery's Welcome Home efforts. It is designed to allow Veterans suffering from combat fatigue to receive teaching and counseling in how to cope with their dilemma. As a Vietnam Vet, I see a need for our Veterans from all wars to be Welcomed Home. Thank you for sharing and caring! Hugs --- Curtis
Allison Avatar
December 17, 2018 at 3:48 PM
aww thanks Curtis. I am just happy to be on the list - you cannot put the poems in any order unless its a premiere and ten places are allowed and I enter few of those types of contest in fact I enter fewer contests in general now:-) hugs jan xx
Kendrick Avatar
December 17, 2018 at 6:08 AM
Sad that this happens in our society where means are set in place to help those who have problems like this but it does still happen. So many of the homeless are people who have some type of mental illness, brain disease or depression. Thanks for entering my contest this was one that I really the way you carried out the theme. Sara
Allison Avatar
December 17, 2018 at 6:26 AM
Thanks for the contest prompt Sara:-) hugs Jan xx
Lane Avatar
December 5, 2018 at 8:45 AM
What a shame this kind of caring doesn't take place throughout the year. Thanks for bringing it to light, Jan.
Allison Avatar
December 17, 2018 at 6:25 AM
so true Lin:-( hugs Jan xx
Canerdy Avatar
December 4, 2018 at 6:12 PM
Wonderful story with a happy ending, Jan! Janice
Allison Avatar
December 4, 2018 at 6:22 PM
Thanks so much Janice:-) hugs Jan xx
Vaso Avatar
December 4, 2018 at 3:46 AM
I only wish this was true 1000 times over, mental health still holds such a stigma, great write!
Allison Avatar
December 4, 2018 at 9:06 AM
There are so many who suffer Arthur:-( hugs Jan xx
Laurie Avatar
December 3, 2018 at 4:24 PM
G'day Jan … this situation is sad at the best of times, but so much more at Christmas Jan - thank for your fine poem Jan - Lindsay
Allison Avatar
December 3, 2018 at 5:19 PM
Your comment is spot on Lindsay:-( hugs Jan xx
La France Avatar
December 3, 2018 at 9:15 AM
Jan, you have penned a wonderful poem of sadness and despair turned to hope, I love it and best of luck in the contest, but this is a winner to me ~
Allison Avatar
December 3, 2018 at 5:19 PM
Thanks so much Constance:-) hugs jan xx
Cunningham Avatar
December 3, 2018 at 3:02 AM
A great write Jan, it seems they are forgotten, many commit suicide. More needs to be done to help ex service men who have been mentally scarred.. Tom.
Allison Avatar
December 3, 2018 at 5:19 PM
You are so right Tom - the forgotten army so to speak:-( hugs jan xx
Andresen Avatar
December 3, 2018 at 12:53 AM
- Christmas can be a sad time for many ... this poem ended well - A wonderful poem, Jan :) - Luck in the contest :) - hugs // Anne-Lise :)
Allison Avatar
December 3, 2018 at 5:18 PM
It is not a happy time for many Anne-Lise:-( hugs jan xx
Kiser Avatar
December 2, 2018 at 10:07 PM
Ah if that could be with all homeless folks; no one should be out there in the cold, especially at Christmas. Well done.
Allison Avatar
December 3, 2018 at 5:17 PM
thanks ML:-) hugs Jan xx
Goff Avatar
December 2, 2018 at 8:18 PM
Touching poem, Jan, thank you! God Bless all you soupers and carry you in His Arms this holiday season...am watching Garth Brooks at Notre Dame stadium on CBS with Ma tonite...Ma's fragile....3 strokes/heart valve/new hip...but loves Garth Brooks, holidays are hard for her without Pop all these yrs...never surrender soupers...
Allison Avatar
December 3, 2018 at 5:17 PM
aww James I am sure your mum appreciates all you do for her, she has endured so much and this time of year is so tough for many who miss their loved ones:-( hugs Jan xx
Roper Avatar
December 2, 2018 at 8:01 PM
Jan, enjoyed reading this this wonderful well written poem that arouses strong emotions because of its beauty. Good luck in the contest soldiers always have a soft touch to one soul.. They should be blessed for their time in the service for us.
Allison Avatar
December 3, 2018 at 5:16 PM
Thanks so much Eve:-) hugs Jan xx
Dietrich Avatar
December 2, 2018 at 5:55 PM
You did such a thoughtful and touching poem for this contest. I am on my cell phone. Had to take Gordon to the e r. At least I can catch up with soup a bit. Not accomplishing much at all today.
Allison Avatar
December 2, 2018 at 5:56 PM
Thanks Andrea:-) hugs Jan xx
May Avatar
December 2, 2018 at 4:19 PM
I know all about the cancer thing my friend, Did he have a robot do his? I did the doctor was out of town lol My birthday was the 16th what day was his?
Allison Avatar
December 2, 2018 at 4:36 PM
Yes he had the davinci Machine:-) hugs jan xx
Rodrigues Avatar
December 2, 2018 at 3:57 PM
A happily ever after ending. Very nice.
Allison Avatar
December 2, 2018 at 3:57 PM
Thanks Kim:-) hugs Jan xx
Sands Avatar
December 2, 2018 at 3:47 PM
Very nice Jan :)
Allison Avatar
December 2, 2018 at 3:53 PM
Thanks Heidi:-) hugs Jan xx
Mcconnell Avatar
December 2, 2018 at 3:28 PM
Such a lovely piece Jan, so beautifully penned with a happy ending. Blessings Gordon
Allison Avatar
December 2, 2018 at 3:35 PM
Thanks Gordon, I know Christmas is not a happy time for many people:-( hugs Jan xx
May Avatar
December 2, 2018 at 3:28 PM
Good story Jan I know many like that, have a great holiday my friend and stay safe
Allison Avatar
December 2, 2018 at 3:36 PM
We have decided not to buy gifts for eachother this year, we buy when we need something now when a day dictates and I've not yet got my hubby a birthday present and that was November - his cancer is a wake up call to what is important and its not materail things:-) hugs jan xx
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