It's time to get the tinsel down
and put the Christmas wreaths away.
Bright decorations I so love
must not stay up another day.
So many feasts, behind us now,
were smorgasbords of great delight.
The cards, the shiny bags and bows
will soon be packed and out of sight.
I'm always in a somber mood
when I take down the Christmas tree,
when carols start to fade away,
when no more lovely lights I see.
*************************
My mood turns hopeful every time
old calendar defers to new.
Post-Christmas doldrums start to fade.
It's time to bid the old adieu.
The challenges and holidays,
the tears and laughter of the year
will take their place as memories;
new opportunities are here.
I pray in twenty twenty-two
the Lord will take this plague away,
heal broken hearts, increase our hope,
and walk beside us every day.
Placed 6th in Skat A's Christmas or New Year's Poetry Contest
January 13, 2016
December 31, 2020
entered in the 2020 to 2021 Poetry Contest
Sponsor: Mohan Chutani
January 2, 2022
entered in Brian Strand's contest 1045
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