Tis time for Christmas,
aches and all.
We have a stake
in a babe’s nativity -
swaddled all
in God’s creativity.
Star-wonder.
Moonlight.
Crestfallen snow white.
Buried beneath happiness
are many who have fallen asleep.
We must keep up
traditions of light,
merry and bright.
Our teeth must glisten,
and our tongues must tell tales,
for a new generation to listen.
We who’ve lived many Christmases
must hang our tears in stockings,
decorate our trees with memories.
Each generation thinks their gifted
something new. The old is regifted.
Our eyes sparkle, ever brighter,
like Benjamin Button
when he’s born old
and dies in infanthood.
Both sides of a copper penny shine,
then the luster subsides,
but the soul resides
in a Christmas-y place
with pearls and lace,
streets of pure gold,
where nothing gets old.
Tis time for Christmas…
Hope and all…
With or without snow falling,
there will be more Christmases,
more joyful carols for me to sing:
hoping peace will brighten all hearts!
I'll give the shivering beggar
a heavy coat to keep cozy and warm,
and to the hungry coffee and donuts;
there are rich people who care less;
and there are poor who beat the drum:
they will cry, they will rejoice!
The mean, the selfish and the ungrateful
close both eyes and go on living as usual...
as if fate won't tilt their full cups
and suddenly spill all of their riches!
What did Jesus say to the crowd?
" Be kind, be merciful and always seek God. "
Now, share each Christmas
with the lonely ones in need!
There will be more Christmases:
I've promised myself to stick to my creed!
There will be more Christmases,
stay near until the log keeps crackling
to brighten all that's not too cheerful:
why can't it be very magical
and bring us a joy so thrilling?
Why can't we smile more and worry less?
With or without snow...
there will be more Christmases,
more candles that glow,
more carols for me to sing;
going that peace brightens all hearts!
I'll give the beggar, who's shivering,
a warm coat and to the hungry
coffee, bread and presents:
nobody must cold and lonely:
wouldn't Jesus be happy?
There are rich people,
and there are poor people;
they all grieve, they all rejoice!
The mean and the greedy
always close both eyes
refusing to give them a dime...
as if fate won't tilt their cups
and spill all their riches!
What did Jesus say
about these folks?
Be kind, be merciful
and share each Christmas
with anyone in dire need,
then stick to your truest creed!
There will be more Christmases
until the red logs keep crackling
and light up all that's not so cheerful;
why can't Christmas be so magical...
ushering in peace in tearful war times?
Don't be hopeless, calm is coming!
Watch me sigh at the wonderful Heavens above,
bow down in prayer, not looking below anymore!
A few reminders of Christmases past --
Broken ornaments we could not set free
Once perfect tree-top angel, I’m aghast,
Bulbs too large for this down-sized tree
Children gone, only gifts for you and me.
A metal tree stand that no longer works
Moving furniture to make room for a tree,
Stories of celebrations with their funny quirks
The cat's tree fascination drove us all crazy
Preparing for visits from our distant family.
written December 26, 2021
Sad Christmases - Missing Lucy
Our 'grand-baby' pet, Lucy Cat,
at Christmas time, so unforeseen,
each day neath the festive tree sat
to guard the Nativity scene.
She'd stare at the child in the hay
and studied each figure beside.
For sure, something drew her to stay;
for hours she'd sit there wide-eyed.
Like animals, drawn unto to Him,
that met 'round the manger to see,
our Lucy seemed led from within
to guard the sweet babe neath the tree.
For many years she took her place
below the tree minding this scene.
Still now, when I see that bare space...
thoughts flow...with a tear in between.
December 9, 2018
For Contest, 'A Sad Christmas' sponsored by Dear Heart
Christmases Past, on Mantel Hung
Three stockings line the hearth, each one a "tail"
of warm Christmas past, of love
hand-knitted, chewed by pup!
submitted by Susan Buchel for "Christmas Stockings Tribute" Contest.
Written 11/6/2011 with thanks for prodding homespun memories!