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Open Poetry #34
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It’s Christmas, You might Not Like It, But This Is What I Feel
| Open Poetry #34 |
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It’s Christmas, You might Not Like It, But This Is What I Feel |
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icebox Member Elite
since 2003-05-03
Posts 4383in the shadows 
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I’ve been chastised, for writing angry poetry, especially at a time of year when sugar plums should feel like Fred Astaire saluting Arthur Murray. I am not offended by the charge, my words are after all my responsibility, I may even see one day if I can carve some kind of bebop poetry just to please the people who come here to soothe their souls’ abrasions. I guess, this critic feels I am supposed to be absorbing some ethereal form of Prozac from the air, some essence, without the distilled vapors of despair that stain the simple thoughts of peace on earth, goodwill toward men, but then again, I write what rattles on inside me while awake and beats tattoos upon my soul when I try to sleep. I keep reflecting on what I’ve known since I was small; as I’ve written here at times to say, I write poetry because it is the only way to drag out of my soul the shards of shattered glass, of broken mirrors, that reflect my thoughts and memories. I’ve enjoyed my stay at PiP, much more than I take the time to say; I like the way I see poets bathing spirits in the waters of this freedom, and I appreciate the friendships I’ve seen flourishing amongst people who might never turn a glance toward passing strangers in a rush, or accept the physically disturbing, on the common streets we all need to travel just trying to survive. Oh, we struggle with our politics and often have to stretch to reach beliefs we can’t quite grasp, but here I’ve seen the many shed gender, race and age, overcome geography and distance, just to take the simple chance of touch, the chance that frightens most of us so much. It has been great to meet the few I seem to have known forever, and to be welcomed often by others whose paths I’d never cross. I think about the loss of never having met you all, the loss I would not have understood, except to feel the echoes of an empty wind that whispered, “They are somewhere; they are real.” ©2004 by icebox |
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Honeybunch Member Rara Avis
since 2001-12-29
Posts 7115South Africa |
Dear icebox, I hope this isn't a goodbye because I've come to understand so much through your look at the world, yourself, and the mystery of life. I guess we all need to clean up the broken shards of glass before we can again enjoy a peaceful sleep - the individual amount being of no consequence. May 2005 be a restful year for you and thank you for sharing so much here. Yes, we all are real and you have touched. |
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GG Member Elite
since 2002-12-03
Posts 3532Lost in thought |
Not a fan of Christmas either? I know what you mean. I'm somewhat glad that I've had little chance to be here the last few days... because I wouldn't have wanted to read too many of those happy poems. Not that I don't like them, they just aren't real to me... not now. And I'm glad I read this piece. Thank you for sharing this... Always, Alyssa He was a man of sorrows |
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ethome Member Patricius
since 2000-05-14
Posts 11858New Brunswick Canada |
Well Ice I don't know you very well. I was quite active here before you came along and I drifted away into songwriting which I enjoy so much. However, I do appreciate your honesty in this post as there are many here that I hold quite dear to my heart for many many more reasons than Christmas fellowship could ever stimulate. So, I might raise the hair on the back of some too but here goes.. Consider the following................. "I have never been able to reconcile myself to the gaieties of the Christmas season. They have appeared to me to be so inconsistent with the life and teaching of Jesus."—Mohandas K. Gandhi. MANY would completely disagree with Gandhi. 'What,' they may wonder, 'could a Hindu statesman really know about a Christian holiday?' It must be admitted, though, that Christmas has spread all over the world, affecting all manner of cultures. Each December, the holiday seems all-pervasive. For example, some 145 million Asians celebrate Christmas, 40 million more than a decade ago. And if by "gaieties" Gandhi meant the secular side of modern-day Christmas, the frenzied consumerism that we all observe, it is hard to deny that this aspect of the celebration is often the most prominent. Asiaweek magazine notes: "Christmas in Asia—from the festive lights in Hong Kong to towering hotel Yuletide trees in Beijing to a creche in downtown Singapore—is largely a secular (mainly retail) event." Answer this for me.......... Has the modern-day celebration of Christmas lost sight of Christ? Officially, December 25 has been observed since the fourth century C.E., when the Roman Catholic Church designated that day for religious observance of Jesus' birth. But according to a recent poll taken in the United States, only 33 percent of those polled felt that the birth of Christ is the most important aspect of Christmas. In his book The Trouble With Christmas, author Tom Flynn set out conclusions reached after years spent researching Christmas: "An enormous number of traditions we now associate with Christmas have their roots in pre-Christian pagan religious traditions. Some of these have social, sexual, or cosmological connotations that might lead educated, culturally sensitive moderns to discard the traditions once they have understood their roots more clearly."—Page 19. After presenting a mass of supporting information, Flynn returns to the basic point: "One of the great ironies of Christmas is how little of its content is truly Christian. Once we dispose of the pre-Christian elements, most of what remains is post-Christian, rather than authentically Christian, in origin."—Page 155. One well-known example of the adoption of a pagan festivity is, of course, that of Christmas. December 25 was, in fact, the date on which the ancient Romans observed the dies natalis Solis Invicti, that is, "the birthday of the invincible sun." In her desire to win pagan hearts, the church therefore did not adhere to the truth. She justified the practice of syncretism, the absorption of heathen beliefs and practices "dear to the masses." The result was a hybrid, apostate church, far removed from the teachings of true Christianity. In this light, perhaps it is not so surprising that a former Roman temple to "all gods"—the Pantheon—should become a Roman Catholic church dedicated to Mary and all the "saints." Just my input on the holiday. I see people go into debt to celebrate this holiday only to pay off the debt just in time to start all over again next year. Why can't we buy gifts for our children and other loved ones anytime during the year? When the mood strikes our heart? Yeah, I am BAH HUMBUG! I see people on lower scale fixed incomes enduring hardships trying to keep up with the cliched Joneses! While those better off are enjoying themselves in worlds of opulence. I don't need a single day of the year to show others I have a heart. Secular history doesn't support December 25th as the actual day of the birth of Christ. Sorry for the rant. However, I loved the honesty of your poetry. Eric |
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nakdthoughts Member Laureate
since 2000-10-29
Posts 19200Between the Lines |
I write poetry because it is the only way to drag out of my soul the shards of shattered glass, of broken mirrors, that reflect my thoughts and memories. I understand, more than you or anyone else could know. I appreciate this write for its truthfulness in what I see and feel from you and from what is inside of me that rarely comes out the way I wish it to. If one says they are happy all the time, they are lying. And can one be happy and sad together? I think so, as I feel that way most of the time right now...happy I am able to survive the sadness that surrounds me, and the ability to reach out when I feel the lack of ...some may think that selfish, but if I can't feel or have the caring I wish for, I shall give it to someone in need and then in some small way I am happy in my sad. You are appreciated, even by those who don't know you well. Holiday Hugs and thanks to you, for being you Maureen |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
but then again, I write what rattles on inside me while awake and beats tattoos upon my soul when I try to sleep. ~*~ You keep doing that, and I'll read you long beyond 2005...  |
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passing shadows Member Empyrean
since 1999-08-26
Posts 45577displaced |
I’ve enjoyed my stay at PiP, much more than I take the time to say; I like the way I see poets bathing spirits in the waters of this freedom, and I appreciate the friendships I’ve seen flourishing amongst people who might never turn a glance toward passing strangers in a rush, or accept the physically disturbing, on the common streets we all need to travel just trying to survive. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I think about the loss of never having met you all, the loss I would not have understood, except to feel the echoes of an empty wind that whispered, “They are somewhere; they are real.” I love you...and all your feelings...and all your words...regardless. Happy New Year to you, I do look forward to being here with you in 2005  |
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inkedgoddess Member Rara Avis
since 2002-11-19
Posts 7392Ohio |
i applaud this; always do applaud outright honesty over sugarcoating, but warm and mushy is so intoxicating at times too. have a happy wherever the next few days take you  |
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Seymour Tabin Member Empyrean
since 1999-07-07
Posts 31720Tamarac Fla |
icebox An excellent write and a pleasure to read. |
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James_A_Fraser Senior Member
since 2003-09-03
Posts 972Out Making Anticlines |
It is the same for me, and I too let the cascades of anger -- and other things -- drain out of me through my writing...but to keep from spreading the hurt, I don't post those poems here. You don't have that concern since the hurts you write of are not the kind that would spread to others. That which I carry could and would spread, so I have to be dilligent about it even though it means some of my best work is never seen by the people I care most about. ~~J |
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Midnitesun
since 2001-05-18
Posts 28647Gaia |
BRAVO! Icebox, I do love your honesty, your no-holds-barred naked truthfulness. Yes, it's mostly a pagan holiday as it is celebrated. (thanks to Eric for his awesome input!) I haven't yet found the words to describe my personal frustrations and sometimes the joys of what happens during this season, for I've seen kindness and charity mixed with the faces of greed, covetousness. I've felt the slap (firsthand)of downright mean-spiritedness for not being a follower Christianity. And yet, I can still say happy holidays and mean it. *Happy Holidays to you, dear poet friend.* |
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ice Member Elite
since 2003-05-17
Posts 3404Pennsylvania |
I-box You cannot leave Bukowski is dead, And when I crave Verses, raw-new And honest; I'll have very Lttle to read. But I know a free spirit must do as it pleases ... I enjoy your poetry, and hope you post more of it.. ___________ice/ford ><> |
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Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049California |
icebox "I write what rattles on inside me while awake and beats tattoos upon my soul when I try to sleep." I hope that you continue to write the orchestra of your life....I have found much knowledge and truth in your words and have glimpsed a person of great depth and character. |
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Nan
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-20
Posts 21191Cape Cod Massachusetts USA |
I'm blessed to be among those who do indeed know of your being real - and I'm very appreciative of that. I wish you happiness today, dear icebox - May a smile dwell within your heart - for there's none more deserving than yours... |
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HopeS Member Elite
since 2000-12-22
Posts 4596Perth Western Australia |
Icebox ... you say in your title that I might not like it , but be assured I do , because its honest and true , I especially this part below...... I keep reflecting on what I’ve known since I was small; as I’ve written here at times to say, I write poetry because it is the only way to drag out of my soul the shards of shattered glass, of broken mirrors, that reflect my thoughts and memories Hope |
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SmartChick Member Rara Avis
since 2001-09-23
Posts 7081On A Journey To The Unknown |
I for one think that is what poetry is all about. Writing what one feels, thinks, sees and knows. Present or past. You just keep on writing. There are many of us in here, who will continue to read your poetry. Life isn't always filled with joy and happiness. Life is a journey with ups and downs. And, for some, there are more downs, than there are ups. So, you just keep on writing, and sharing. Merry Christmas! |
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scorpio Member Ascendant
since 2002-10-02
Posts 5178right...there |
I've never questioned your words or motivation...only marvelled at the talent and creativity you possess to express them. believe in what your heart feels... |
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garysgirl 
since 2002-09-29
Posts 19237Florida, USA |
Dear Iceman, like everyone else above, I admire your wisdom, reality and your ability to write of those.....of what you really feel. I don't know if many have noticed or not, but I haven't been posting much at PIP for the last few months....not because I haven't been writing, but because of what I'm expected of to post here. I have posted a lot of my love poems for Gary here, because he is the happiest part of my life......and has been for years. When I have attempted to post my other poetry here, that isn't of the happy type, I have had people say things to me that hurt my feelings something awful. So, because of that, I have almost quit "posting" the unhappy poetry at PIP. Sometimes I think that is so wrong of me, because I haven't let some of the people who I have become "close" to here know some of the heartache and pain that I've been going through. I have found myself just talking to my Gary about those things more and more and not "talking" about them in my poetry here. Yes, I do still write it, but not as much as I used to. And, sometimes, I want to, but don't. Writing helps soi much to get the inner feelings out....for ourselves, not for the approval and admiration of others. So, it is my loss, too. I just want you to know, Sir, that I admire you so much for writng the "real" of you. Please never stop. And, by the way? I, for one, am glad that the "holidays" are almost over. It really hurts to see all the happy faces whenever my heart is so often crying. Thanks again for being "you", Mr. Poet, Sir. With love and hugs, Ethel |
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Ratleader
since 2003-01-23
Posts 7026Visiting Earth on a Guest Pass |
Send 'em to me will you? I've got some questions about where that non-prescription Prozac equivalent is supposed to come from...I could use some about now. Seriously, you write "angry" poetry (what a weak definition of what you do write!) at just about any time, and it's some of your best stuff. If someone wants to be insulated from that, holiday or no, they shouldn't read your poetry...so that they're cheating only themselves rather than cheating everyone by trying to shackle you. ~~(¸¸¸¸ºº> ~~(¸¸¸¸ºº> ~~(¸¸ ¸¸ºº> ~~~(¸¸ER¸¸ºº> |
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vandana
since 1999-10-22
Posts 10463USA |
good write |
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Cpat Hair
since 2001-06-05
Posts 11793 |
Well... I'd buy you a round... or two... simply to hear you speak the same kinds of truths you show here... nicely said sir... indeed |
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Earth Angel Member Empyrean
since 2002-08-27
Posts 40215Realms of Light |
Dear Box of Ice, from the very bottom of my heart I say to you, DO NOT CHANGE IN ANY WAY WHATSOEVER! Always write for yourself ~ and by the way, that pleases me as well! I am a BIG fan of you and your writing. You have your own unique niche in this family. You write ~ I read! You talk ~ I listen. You have a marvellously creative and philosophical mind and talent. Don't let one little voice drown out the voices of all the rest of us! I love the forthrightness and honesty of your writes. You, dear man and poet, are very special! Don't ever lose sight of that! I tend to be more of a polyanna type, but I truly appreciate the depth and realness of your poetry! It also helps ground me when I start to float off into the ethers! Giving you a humongous, big, warm, loving hug ~ and wishes for a joyous new year! Linda xo |
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Susan Caldwell Member Rara Avis
since 2002-12-27
Posts 8348Florida |
you know how much I love you and how/what you write. do what you think you must but do it because you want to not because of what someone else said.  "cast me gently into the morning, for the night has been unkind" |
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suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana |
I guess, this critic feels I am supposed to be absorbing some ethereal form of Prozac from the air, some essence, without the distilled vapors of despair that stain the simple thoughts of peace on earth, goodwill toward men, but then again, I write what rattles on inside me while awake and beats tattoos upon my soul when I try to sleep. I think many of us understand this and disagree with the critic. *S* I won't write to hurt, but I will write hurt... simply because sometimes... that's all there is. *S* How could I ever ask differently of others? *S* |
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iliana Member Patricius
since 2003-12-05
Posts 13434USA |
"but here I’ve seen the many shed gender, race and age, overcome geography and distance, just to take the simple chance of touch, the chance that frightens most of us so much" So true....and I'm grateful, too, Charly. You said that so well. Loved this poem. You are a poet's poet, my friend. ...jo |
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DavePage Member Elite
since 2003-12-21
Posts 2917 |
Your stuff is worth reading. Keep writing. Dave |
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