When Did Christmas Become Oppressive

How did Christmas
become such a threat
to my finances?

Little by little,
year by year,
I'm expected to spend greater amounts on gifts,

like a snake surrounding 
and threatening me 
with a body as thick as my arms.

I’m powerless to resist social pressures
from extended family and friends
for more and more gifts,

as if cold coils constrict
tighter each time I exhale
squeezing me, making it difficult to breathe.

Spending more than I can afford
has brought me to a financial crisis.
The snake is killing me,

and its beady eyes look into mine
with the confidence
of a winner.

But as I apply
for another credit card,
it releases its grip and I breathe again.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2018

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Nicole Avatar
December 21, 2018 at 7:15 PM
Once again I am taken in by your words, as truth lingers throughout. I ask myself this question every year. Why, and what for?? So many have forgotten- perhaps not forgotten, but don't truly care- about others. Only themselves. What wonderful world this would be, if many thought like you. Happy Holidays Gerald. ~ Brandy
Greene Avatar
December 21, 2018 at 8:42 PM
Happy holidays to you also. Yes, people I meet overspend this time of year instead of giving what's more important - themselves.
Sands Avatar
December 21, 2018 at 7:08 AM
I don't have the money to do it all this year and must accept it. There is too much pressure in that. I do bake for people though :)
Greene Avatar
December 21, 2018 at 7:12 AM
And we poets can give gifts of poetry. This is the season for loving with words and deeds. Materialism is a modern invention that can be discarded.
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace