The Art of the Gift

thoughts on gift-giving

Selecting:

 

Do you give the gift because you have to, or because the gift wants to be given?

For a true gift yearns for its owner, the way a dog

 selects its master;

Pick it up. Embrace it. Caress it lightly with fingertips,

tactile little portals to the sublime that they are!

Smell it, let it slide against skin, admire it.

See if it truly

has resonation with the soulprint of the recipient?

Does it meet:

an unknown want, an unacknowledged desire, a lack?

Or will simply light up a face with joy, or gratitude, or remembrance?

Can you picture-

eyes wide with delight

smiles and laughs and sighs and coos;

thoughtful nods,

enlightenment, or even merry mischief?

Perchance the giving meets another's need- which is fine, too;

all gifts are unmet needs of the whole:

maker, giver, recipient. Through giving, we know better of

compassion, yearning, and comfort.

 

Giving:

 

Sometimes, anonymous is best-

no awkwardness, no hidden agendas- just a gift that wants

to be given. That's all.

Other times- bells and whistles and cheers and a flourish,

from behind your back, presented in front of an admiring crowd;

nothing but the most grand will do!

Or quietly, gently, as the most important gifts usually are delivered,

in whispered tones and murmers by firelight.

Or, just drop by a neighbor's house,

unasked, and leave a smile and small token of passing. Just enough

for reminding us of seemingly

forgotten arts of thoughtfulness, mulled

like spiced cider and aged to perfection.

 

Receiving:

Take a lesson from those too poor to be proud-

like the Maya women

with their 8 children in one-room homes,

and drop

whatever you are doing,

 to accept the proffered and the giver alike:

both hands, outstretched, palm up.

Not greedy; just grateful, appreciative.

Make a fuss (but not too grand) over the presentation;

more for the giver.

A hug, kiss on the cheek, clasped arm;

then for the sake of all that is good-

offer some hospitality in return.

Do not say, "I am not worthy of your gift",

or that the gift is not worthy

of you.

Lest ye offend the givers of light and life the world round.

We are all worthy, not least the lesser among us-

And what is a gift for but to acknowledge

the undying and the sacred;

things seen and unseen, limited and beyond bounds.

Timeless, like the essence

of the most perfect gift itself.

 

 

 

Author's Note

something a little different from me:

We cannot afford gifts this year. At least not bought ones. Hoping what we can offer is good enough. Enjoy.

Reviews

[emmajoy]

What wonderful and true writing this is, '..quietly, gently, as the most important gifts usually are delivered, in whispered tones and murmers by firelight.' So appreciate the added mention, delicately put, about the Mayan women

Someone wrote something like this, 'It's not the gift but how you wrap it.' Your words say just that, line after beautiful line.

[Larry Dyson]

I accept the gift you have given in these lines....quietly

"Lest ye offend the givers of light and life the world round.

We are all worthy, not least the lesser among us-"

safe hugs with out stretched arms...

[Mark]

Too often, gifts are debts repaid, or the desire to place others into debt. So rarely do we see the truly selfless offering of love and consideration that this poem epitomizes. Wonderfully put!

[Poetic Beauty]

This is a great way to express the giving and receiving. This year I had to greatly shorten my list that i was buying for but those who I did buy for I tried to pick out something special for each. Like my mom I bought her a owl Christmas tree decoration because my grandma collected owls and I knew it would be a special treasure for her tree. You have written what the true meaning of giving and receiving is.

[Emily B]

beautiful words from a beautiful woman who knows what giving is truly all about

do youthink you could feature it inthe spiritual women group?

[Dane Osborne]

This is certainly different and that's why i enjoy it. You see alot of writing filled with rants about the ills of the world and the evils of human nature, that kind of writing does have its rightful place and i am often prone to writing that way myself. But yet, this is unique in that it celebrates the good aspects of humanity but still adresses the human condition honestly and with insight.

The tone and the rythm of the poem was impressive and had a gentle musicality to it. This was thouroughly well written and unique and you should be proud of it. Kudos and well done. 100/100

[cest la vie]

Giving a gift is a physical message of love for the intended. You have written about a seemingly simple thing, yet really opened it up to see the core. Beautifully writen in your classic style. (which I have missed btw)..

Me? I prefer a gift made from hands of the giver vs a store bought gift .

[Ladysue]

This is the true meaning of giving...you piece flows with beautiful thoughts...

[Through the Gateway]

I've always been fascinated by the story of the Mayan women. Such a fascinating way to look at receiving. I think you've really put the act into true perspective. ALL aspects of giving and receiving are important, but what is most important is the kindness and love behind it all.

Well done; well said.

[Liza]

this is exactly what giving is; giving without strings; gaining from giving and expressing gratitude of one's own blessing by being a blessing to another...free will on all accounts. beautiful & meaningful piece.