The Blazer’s Put Away
The blazer’s put away now,
The medals in their drawer;
The polished shoes and formal tie
Back where they were before.
Commemorations over,
Reunions all finished;
Stories spun, marching done,
Old friendships undiminished.
Bands no longer play now,
Applauding crowds have gone.
But every day, each in their way,
Remembering goes on.
Her grandfather gave her a heart locket.
When opened it revealed a little pocket
that held a picture of him and her
and she had vowed to wear it forever.
Held true to her word for sixty-five year,
as she took it off, her eyes filled with tears.
The heart locket of gold she had placed
on her only granddaughter, whom she embraced.
Inside she found in a pocket of its own
a picture of her, grand mother and copone.
A scruffy little dog with his own style,
remembering those memories made her smile.
I know this gift is a bit unorthodox,
said its an heirloom as she handed him the box.
Explaining how it has been handed down
and inside a picture of them at playtown.
He pulled a box from his shirt pocket,
to his eldest granddaughter a gold heart locket.
He opened the locket, placing in front
a picture of him, her and her pug Runt.
A heirloom, this heart locket of gold.
Has four little pockets inside that hold
four little pictures of eight generations.
One, love of family, commemorations.
Love, more than a once a year compliment
Remembered with other ember members at Valentine
When red reigns supreme to cement
Signals in Sentiment City all’s fine
Although a lover’s lilt longs for more
Than a red reference to dine and wine
Served with flourish in keeping with folklore
Kept alive over the centuries in a bid
To meld memories and joys galore
In minds married to a creed
With promises that raise expectations
But deliver little beneath a doctrine deed
Which longs for more than fancy felicitations
That once a year weave winds of creative commemorations.
Seasons come and go, each one a fleeting breeze
Clouds gather, scatter, and form anew with ease
Yet nothing soothes the heart's deep joy and pain
Like memories that linger, forever to remain
Winds howl, storms rage, and nature's beauty fades
Trees bloom, wither, and renew their cycles, shades
But memories of the past, like maps, remain etched in time
Testimonies and footprints, forever intertwined
Thoughts, words, and records preserve the past
Forebears' voices echoing, forever to last
No amount of time can erase their indelible mark
Their presence and deeds, a lasting spark
Commemorations and celebrations keep their memory bright
A tribute to their legacy, a beacon in the night
Their impact on our lives, a testament to their might
Unforgettable, forever in our sight.
a sonnet/acrostic
C Commemorations of a Savior’s birth
H have always been a focus and a blur.
R Recalling cost which does not count for worth,
I I mention gold and frankincense and myrrh.
S Sophisticates who give, have other views
T than Bible talk of God who gave His Son.
M Most presents represent affection’s muse,
A appreciation for what someone’s done.
S Some suave suggestions for a diff’rent gift:
G Give one anonymous surprise – a toy,
I Invite outsiders over, snub your thrift,
F Forget the clock and focus on the joy.
T This Christmas, aim to give yourself away
S Spend time on those who need you every day.
written 16 December 2015