This was a project I did basically during the pandemic. I started writing a poem a day. Once ‘real life’ started again it got harder to write everyday, which is interesting.
I must stop
I swear I will
I swear I must
stop shoving cookies
into my gut
so many treats
they all taste good
I must stop
if I only could!!
the stars do shine
this time of year
for some so dear
but not for all
some hear a call
of echos past
of grief and loss
the bittersweet
sorrow and dross
my hope for those
in dark shadows
you find a light
in this deep night
by accident
or grand design
for all of us
the stars do shine
a wish for you
stockings hung
buying done
menu planned
treats on hand
once a year
time so dear
a wish for you
your dreams come true
Little George
Little George sits staring at the tree.
His eyes get ever wider. ”Are all those gifts for me!?”
He dreams of all the toys waiting for him there.
He plans to do some peeking when his mom goes downstairs.
But at the final moment George decides no go.
He wants to be get more presents and not a lump of coal!
if you still can
sit and watch
the fine lights twinkle
scent of pine
makes your nose wrinkle
hear the bells
in far off lands
be like a kid
if you still can
the best of all
give a gift
send some joy
maybe a book
perhaps a toy
a fine red shirt
some matching pants
some ballet shoes
to help with dance
a lego set
a new cute doll
or spend some time
the best of all
those you call
this time of year
my hope for all
you spend some time
with those you call
dear dear friend
the ones you love
they warm your heart
like hands in gloves
soon enough
the tree is lit
the stockings hung
cookies baked
time for some fun
soon enough
the day will come
but wait wait wait
my gifts aren’t done!!
’Twas the morning of Christmas
’Twas the morning of Christmas
And all through the house,
Not a creature was stirring
Only me and the dog because he likes his breakfast early.
Everyone else is still snug in their beds;
I’m sitting here looking at the tree,
And wondering what to write
For my first Christmas morning poem.
When all of a sudden I hit on an idea!
I can take an old poem and rework it;
Maybe have some fun and make some fun rhymes;
So far it isn’t working.
The words, they aren’t rhyming
And the pacing is clunky;
But wait, here is something!
We may be moving from junky!
My mind is usually agile, quite lively and quick!
But this morning it feels oozy and thick.
Maybe too many cookies and holiday cheer,
But wait now, we have two more rhymes right here!
Now shine! Now, pine! Those are Christmas words and they surely do rhyme!
Stuff the stockings, do some baking, those words, there for the taking!
I can do this this! It is working!
Let’s keep going, and going, and let the rhymes fall!
As the words rise up and begin to flow,
We have a small poem, based on one we know;
That one is about the eve of this day,
This one, the next morning, a kind of word play.
And then, we see a pattern emerging,
Use the first few words to get the mind a-whirring;
And then let the fingers move fairly quick,
you end up with something with a touch of wit!
He was dressed all in fur… well, that is my dog.
He is sleeping, his belly full; he’s a hog!
And under the tree are loads of gifts,
just to sit and look, my spirit it lifts.
The lights - how they twinkle, the ornaments glow!
Some of them shiny, some with fake snow!
There is garland wrapped all around,
and on top, an angel, making no sound;
The light fills the room, it is a perfect backdrop;
for the Santa statues all sitting atop,
All the shelves I can see, here around this wondrous tree,
Another big set of memories for those I love and me.
I am chubby and plump, I’ve been eating alot,
But I can laugh today, today’s not for changing, it’s not;
Instead I can sit here and play with these words,
I think we have gone more than two-thirds,
Of the way in the original poem,
The one that inspired, so we have to keep going.
Just a little bit further and then we will be done,
The first Christmas morning poem, a victory won!
And here we have it, the final last stanza,
I admit, this has not been a poetry bonanza.
I’ll stop with the rhyming, and silly word play...
HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO ALL, AND TO ALL A GOOD-DAY!
buckets full of memories
buckets full of memories
squeals of utter joy
sitting there under the tree
the perfect, perfect toy
buckets full of memories
laughter ringing out
time we spent together
the whole family is about
buckets full of memories
visitors from afar
let’s go to see the lights tonight
all jam into the car
buckets full of memories
oh no it is on fire!
throw it out into the snow
this meal has gone haywire
buckets full of memories
the gifts did not get wrapped
santa must have been busy
mom’s energy was sapped
buckets full of memories
the cookies are all iced
some may look a little strange
but some sure do look nice
buckets full of memories
that time of solitude
sitting quiet, all alone
no other to intrude
buckets full of memories
of times already passed
maybe turn them into stories
don’t keep them under glass
you might find those stories
illuminate more threads
let’s spill out all our buckets
let joy and laughter spread
Thanks to my friend Cynthia and to my brother Kenny for turning their memories into stories, sharing them, and providing the inspiration for this piece. ❤️
Miracles and Magic
Have you seen a miracle?
Felt one in your life?
Something happens unexpectedly
and the timing feels just right?
Is there something else?
Something more than we can see?
Something much much bigger
than you or than me?
What if that presence,
let’s leave it nameless now,
what if it is always working
behind the scenes somehow?
Some will say I’m crazy,
that this is all just bunk.
I’m not here to tell you
what’s real and what is junk.
All I’m really asking
is have you’ve ever wondered?
Are we inside of something
bigger than the biggest thunder?
This season we are in
all started with a big big story.
Many years have passed since then
and that tale has fallen from glory.
But as I sit here now
and delve into it all,
I wonder if I feel something?
A small still quiet call?
I think we all feel miracles
at one time or another.
We may call them different things.
The magic we may smother.
My wish for you on this day
is that a miracle moves your life.
Maybe brings in some wonder
or takes away some strife,
fills your heart with love,
sets your soul afire.
You feel some Christmas Magic.
Truth Goodness Beauty do inspire.
Thank you to my dear friend Colleen and to my dad, both of whom brought up the idea of miracles to me within a few hours of one another. ✨
Snow
I am agitated and really quite frustrated
We haven’t any snow and it is Christmas-time
The streets are clean and the grass is still green
I want it white with loads of lights twinkling bright
We haven’t any snow and it is Christmas-time
Oh wait
What is that
Is that a flake I see?
Oh my
I might cry
Could it really be!?
I am elated and really truly sated
It is snowing outside and it is Christmas-time
We are snug inside with our chocolate filled mugs
Everything is white and loads of lights are twinkling bright
It is snowing outside and it is Christmas-time
Later we will go
Into the white temple made of snow
Walking out together, all sound is like a feather
As it snows outside and it is Christmas-time
Thank you to my brother Kenny for this excellent inspiration!
Cozy Simple Christmas
She put a piece of Christmas
in a small tight box
She wrapped it with a bow
And put it with her socks
So now anytime
She feels a little low
She opens up that box
And feels a cozy glow
This small box reminds
Christmas is not about the retail
Nope, this holiday for her
is all about the details
The little decoration
She loves so very much
The special treat baked
The perfect joyful touch
Christmas is not about
Doing things so grand
It can be about
Holding someone’s hand
You don’t have to work
to create a major wow
Just have yourself
a merry little Christmas now
Thank you Cathy for this wonderful inspiration!!