I have a client who writes a great deal of poetry, and has shared many of his cute and sometimes profound creations with me. He has reminded me, with his excellent ability to rhyme that poetry expresses thoughts with a rhythm that resonates beyond what words by themselves could say. I’m not a poet, although years ago I did write many poems; they are filed along with many short stories I wrote and never bothered to have published. When I won prizes in school they always gave me poetry books, and I still get them for gifts: Thank you all. I’ve always loved classical poetry. Lines from Browning, Wordsworth, Longfellow, Blake’s, and others still echo in my mind at times. When I was a little girl I memorized whole poems including Hiawatha and The Pied Piper of Hamlin. I recited them fluently and with appropriate expression in front of class and for others who liked to listen. I’m not sure if it was to marvel at my memory, or the brilliance of the author’s ability to tell a story in that wonderful way. I can actually remember many of the poems lines. How’s that for recall?
I haven’t been inspired to write poetry for a long while. Yet somehow my client’s work aroused an inexplicable temptation within me to attempt a holiday poem just for my blog readers. So if you will excuse the rudimentary verse I’ve put together, and forgive the imperfect syntax and/or punctuation, here it is…then there’s one for those who are missing people and other heart warming ingredients in their holiday.
Things that come to mind in rhyme when I think about the holiday season
Merriment, joyful caroling, boxes with ribbons,
mincemeat pies, candy canes and bon bons
Laughter and bells ringing too
I’m ready for Christmas and Hanukkah, are you?
Trees with lights and shiny ornaments glittering
tinsel silver and gold shimmering
Fireside gatherings enjoying holiday fare
the table set with lavish flare
Many candles are lit, festive food prepared
there’s so much goodness to be shared
All around houses decorated with lights red and green
indoors the finishing touches glow in the scene
The hush of children eagerly waiting
whispering wishes while excitement is mounting
Then quiet ensues as the eve’s essence draws near
the snow has fallen and the night sky is clear
the stars twinkle…is that sleigh bells we hear?
It’s imagination stirring our a hearts with memories dear
of times like this in our yesteryear
The house settles, all are in bed now, fast asleep.
So much giving and receiving for our hearts to keep.
The gift of our togetherness fills our dreams
this is really and truly what it all means.
Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and to all celebrating both religious and other traditional events, may your holidays be blessed with loving togetherness, the richness and fulfilment of love and caring expressed.
And for those who are perhaps lonely and sad,
please dwell on all the good times you’ve ever had
For there have been many, even just moments in time
to remember just as you do your nursery rhymes
You’ve known love; you’ve smiled and laughed too,
you’ve had good things happen, you know that’s true
Just recalling those times will warm your heart
so gather them in your mind right now, just start…
They’ll fill you with comfort, it’s like going home
with fond memories as companions you’re never alone
So no matter what the season, give yourself good will
There’s time to create good memories, you can still
From today’s and every days sunrise and sunset
you have the moon and the stars, so don’t ever forget
You have inner strength that will get you through,
be your own best friend and take good care of you.
May the coming year bring with it all that you need for peace of mind and heart.
Sincerely, all the best, always TTFN
from Elaine Kissel