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Open Poetry #49
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IS THAT ENOUGH for CHRISTmas?
| Open Poetry #49 |
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IS THAT ENOUGH for CHRISTmas? |
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VAS Member Rara Avis
since 2000-11-16
Posts 7450Oregon |
A friend asked me if I was thinking about my Christmas poem/s yet, a couple weeks ago. This is my pondering how to make it "NEW" and fresh, so it is not just a redundant "celebration." This won't be my greeting letter poem. But I'd love feedback on its success with my intent. IS THAT ENOUGH for CHRISTmas sixty-nine Christmases how does one make it new? calling up memories to find what made it old? second grade, 1952, Grandma staying for the week-end presents under the tree, all of us gather for what there may be Grandma bunking with my brother and me “In the middle, Grandma,” I’d plead seventh grade, Grandpa and Grandma Roach’s home cousins, aunts, uncle all around, some I’d rarely met a tree to the ceiling, presents in great abound feasting at the table, with elbows forbidden heading home in torrential rain, up to the floor boards, Dad somewhere in some distance, absent from the fete thirty-six, Mom and Dad Salter, brothers and sisters in-law nieces, nephews, husband, daughter all around the tree trying hard to wait for all the complete complement to arrive before the focus of the day comes to life. you and I holding hands, amazing as it seems sitting close together, I hanging onto dreams it seemed no matter the belief system of the family over the years, presents were always the focus the thing that brought the cheers. then ripped asunder were the dreams, in a small number of days bent on separation he sent us our different ways our last Christmas gave way, a new relationship for me our Lord carried my days, weeks and years from then to now Intent on putting Christ first, from then on yet how I’ve failed…tradition continues its grasp to make presents tantamount, though I’ve tried hard to bring them from my heart, with my own hands through the blessings and talents God has given I’ve added in the tradition of worship service and prayer yet when gathered at a tree they just don’t seem to be anywhere near, even among rapt believers when the carols are ended the focus seems to be awry, with presents, food and “cheer,” from a bottle or a box each eye wishing to see a spark of rapture, of glee when unwrapping a special gift from those around the tree it still seems that worship is relegated to the sanctuary not lifted up among like believers gathered in love it’s easier to understand, if those gathered confess a different faith, not to cause ripples while celebrating His birth yet what is the worth of the gathering, of the spirits, of the foodstuffs and the sweets it is surely not commemorating the birth and life of Christ–He certainly has been absent whether with agnostics of my past or believers of my present the cry all around, “Put Christ back in Christmas.” How does one put someOne back that’s never really been there. It seems I only get to celebrate Christ in the set aside places, or somewhere in my heart with a quietness and grace. IS THAT ENOUGH? How does one make Christmas new this year, perhaps by reflecting on the past, breaking with the norm by making room through word and deed for His love, His will, His presence in the midst of life, but how? ©Virginia Salter October 27, 2015 Whether on the shoal or on the shore, |
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| © Copyright 2015 Virginia Salter - All Rights Reserved | |||
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jwesley Member Rara Avis
since 2000-04-30
Posts 7563Spring, Texas |
Overall, I greatly enjoyed seeing your thoughts and heart, my friend. Many's the line that I could emphasis, and although it's more a list of thoughts, it is poetry never-the-less. In answer to your question as to how?, the only truth is what's inside of you personally, and that's what defines you and your belief. How you try to pass, or not pass, it on to others, is, again, up to you. I wouldn't give up on that passing it on . . if that's the call you feel - even if the comments are similar to - okay, here's Virginia's "rant" - let's be polite and then get on with the gift's. You did your part, and gently gave of your heart and belief, and who knows where or when it will eventually settle. That's all that can be asked Smile my friend and many will smile with you. And YES, resoundingly, it is enough for CHRISTmas! Jimmy |
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VAS Member Rara Avis
since 2000-11-16
Posts 7450Oregon |
Thanks much for reading, and especially your thoughtful reply. It seems a little odd to me, that when I reread this poem yesterday, I felt it even more and meant it even more. Very helpful when questioning how something is written/stated. Your encouragement is very helpful, as well. Whether on the shoal or on the shore, |
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2islander2 Member Ascendant
since 2008-03-12
Posts 6825by the sea |
Hello Vas, it is a complex subject indeed, what we remember is the "togetherness" in the past i guess, that is what matters even if we get older and that feelings become complex....We become uncertain too, so is my answer, enjoy the present when you can, i didn't celebrate Christmas these last years, this poem is so relevant and deep, thanks for sharing |
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