Twelve Days Til Christmas

picket fences 

too white for this coastal air

stand poised for decoration

ready to be draped with colored lights

emerging from a cardboard box

ready for the annual untangling

 

the snowman in the next yard

is filling with hot air

tipping like a metronome

and smiling with painted pride

as plastic penguins glisten with sweat

on the white ashes of a commercial conspiracy

 

give me a cup of steaming cider 

and a blanket to warm my feet

a golden bell to hang upon the door

and a pine scented candle to remind me

of distant mountains and breathing trees

 

i need no boxes or paper wrapping

no bows to prove that I belong

give me the echo of reminiscence

sweeter than any Christmas confection

and blissful souls to surround my table

decorated only with broken bread 

Reviews

[Brett Moore]

give me a cup of steaming cider
and a blanket to warm my feet
a golden bell to hang upon the door
and a pine scented candle to remind me
of distant mountains and breathing trees

I'm always so jealous of one or your stanzas. I read this one and made that involuntary mmmm sound that happens when you sit down in a comfortable chair after a long day. You are awesome.

[Ed Hart]

you give birth to the spirit of the season singing this song...wonderfully done

[Joyce S. Greene]

The true joys of Christmas - the family and friends surrounding us. I loved your poem, Sarah. Merry Christmas!

[Anand Sehgal]

A good greetings card turned diary write :) happy holidays dear :)
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[Troy Henson]

You bring the gift of Christmas with your writing Sarah. Many happy returns for you and may all your wishes come true.

Regards
Troy

[Scott Metro]

the snowman in the next yard
is filling with hot air
tipping like a metronome
and smiling with painted pride
as plastic penguins glisten with sweat
on the white ashes of a commercial conspiracy

Love that part..a great little holiday ditty here.
Well done Miss Sarah......let's hope you get a real present and not just a prop...:)

Scott

[Tom]

No artificial tacky tinsel required here, just give me real people and communal spirit !

The genuine, genteel gift of poetic literacy !

[Rebecca Buller]

This certainly spoke to me this year since Oklahoma has had very little snow. It's been cold, but needless to say I haven't built a snowman (or woman) yet. Very well done, GF! Hopefully, I'll try to post something Christmas-sy within the next couple of days. This piece has kicked me into gear:)

[MsJewel]

Absolutely stunning. The last verse is my favorite. Your talent never ceases to amaze me.
Merry Christmas!
:) Julie