it's december

memories as i watch the snow falling on TV

artwork by wade courtesy of pinterest

it's december

on TV

the snow falls to the ground

like opa’s whiskers fell into the sink

way back when the poetry of family surrounded me

and life was so simple that an apron

hid any stains daring to mar the day

daddy’s work clothes were in the laundry room

and school books were put away

because we knew holidays were for dressing up

for celebrating us

mommy cooked a meal fit for royalty

tante set the table

yesterday’s snowman stood watch outside

but we would greet him later

as we went down the hill on our sleds

oom would film us so we would never forget

the fun, the love, the day

the rosy time tunnel of memory does rewrite some events

but this was much more than a facade

it’s true

all these years later the south florida sun

can't melt my memories

of december

Reviews

[D Connolly]

I can't believe it's taken so long for me to get to this point in my library (2 months!). I love this poem. "The rosy time tunnel of memory" and "the south Florida sun can't melt my memories" are so perfect for me. Living in South Florida myself, I haven't seen snow in a million years, but I do remember growing up across the pond; snowsuits, sleds, ice skating on frozen ponds, white Christmases, and cold noses thawing in hot mugs of cocoa... those memories stick with me, just like your lovely memories. Thank-you for sharing them with me

[Lydia Shutter]

So you live in Florida too? I didn't know that. Where? I am near Fort Lauderdale. Thank you for the lovely review. Lydi**

[D Connolly]

Siesta Key area

[Lydia Shutter]

Oh, on the west side....so you see the Gulf.

[Vin]

I agree-dec is nostalgia. it 's got memories n nostalgia associated with it!

[Lydia Shutter]

Indeed it does. Thank you so much. Lydi*

[John Alexander McFadyen]

A lovely piece of reminiscence written in your usual flowing and eloquent style Lydi. We had our first snow today and it lasted all of three hours and was gone. Now that is how I like December!

[Lydia Shutter]

I much prefer seeing the snow on TV or the internet. I enjoy living in a tropical climate! Thank you for the review, John. Lydi**

[Ana Papaya]

those good childhood memories remain frozen in time Lydi, no matter where you are

I enjoyed this little look back at childhood.

[Lydia Shutter]

Thank you, Ana.

[Ana Papaya]

You're welcome!

[BlackRose]

So many many wonderful memories fill my head of the days being the kid playing in the snow. Such warmth and great family times fills this terrific wintery piece.

[Lydia Shutter]

Thank you so much for this review. Lydi**

[redzone]

soooo many good memories Lydi, somehow, I think December memories stay with us longer than some others, maybe its the cold or the snow or snowmen made as well as sledding so fast down the hill our cheeks would get ice crystals on them... but even more was family and their being there with us, watching and egging us on with "be careful" etc...

Green Day did that song "Wake Me When September Ends", but I think a better song would be "Wake Me When December Comes"...

as you can see I love this very "nice", very December poem... if I were up north right now I would add, duck Lydi a snowball is headed your way, but since I am here in Florida, I must say, watch out for that pelican who is dropping a coconut in your direction... ;0)

Curt

[Lydia Shutter]

:) Your sense of humor is still in tact, Curt! I would like to sleep through December actually, but now it is January and a new year has started so I don't have to fret about December for 11 more months. Thanks for the review. Lydi**

[redzone]

I know your December memories are bitter and sweet Lydi... I will hold back the Decembers for as long as I can... but they have also become heavy for me as well...

[Lydia Shutter]

Indeed, Curt. December will always be difficult for you now.

[Lyn Anderson]

I love this. Soft and graceful, simple memories. Paints a lovely picture.

[Lydia Shutter]

Thanks so much, KL. Happy New Year! Lydi**

[Writer at last! Sky ~]

Seriously you melt my memories with poems. The December month always special & full of fun :)

[Lydia Shutter]

Thank you so much. Lydi**

[Writer at last! Sky ~]

Welcome Lydi**

[Kathy Van Kurin]

Lydia,
I love, love, love this!! Absolutly lilting, billowy and thankful! My heart basked in your memory's fire. I needed to read this right now. I appreciate the warm glow you have cast with your words. Please do not stop! Bless you in the coming year. Kathy

[Lydia Shutter]

Kathy, you are so kind. Thank you very much for this review. Happy New Year to you. Lydi**

[Ken Simm.]

I particularly like that last stanza but the satisfying whole takes me back into the memories of winters with a beloved Uncle. This write brings the whole atmosphere back to me.

[Lydia Shutter]

Glad I could take you back, Ken. Thanks for the review. Lydi**