As you read this Christmas poem, with its taste of bittersweetness, see it not in a dark light — embrace it as a tale of an inevitable journey, to be with the one so beloved…
B rushed my shoulder on this morning’s train
then while in line to get my breakfast tea
at the market it was there again
from our favorite table it beckoned me
in the crowd at the festive mall
glimpsed like a flicker of candle light
I swear I saw it fleeting fall
upon the gifts I did not wrap this night
upon this tree, friends helped decorate
upon the greeting cards I did not write
in angry voice I bitterly chastise fate
singing carols this night, no no not quite
I see it there in every aisle
the shadow of your sweet love
elusive as a shopper’s smile
caught up in the crush and shove
it haunts me this night each year
the same night that you went away
in dreams you kiss away each tear
touch my lips that beg you stay
but tomorrow’s Christmas morn
I will not awaken broken blue
this night I’m no longer torn
love’s final act from me to you
it was our love — was Christmas
in my heart, this is forever true
beneath this bright Christmas star
I give my love and life again to you
on this blessed Eve’s midnight deep
my precious love — I come to you
* 28 musical artists whose song titles and/or lyrics featured in this poem
~
Counting Crows
Queen
The Moody Blues
Muddy Waters
Bill Monroe
Merle Haggard
Billie Holiday
Faith Hill
Idina Menzel
Billie Eilish
Lindsey Sterling
Sting
Metallica
Moby
Ariana Grande
Joni Mitchell
Paul McCartney
John Lennon
Manhattan Transfer
Donald Fagan
Hans Zimmer
Greg Lake
Toys Chorus
Katy Perry
James Taylor
Wendy & Lisa
Seal
Elvis
Hear me human
hear my wolf’s song
as I keen and howl
for our dying world
so too
you must howl
raise your human voices
use your words
use them now
scream of the injustice
of the real danger
the imminent danger
we must rally
to seek
and to secure
the sacred balance
hold it close
become its protector
not its abuser
pitiful neglector
correct your imbalance
with our mother earth
respect your precious
place of birth
stop your human stupidity
please
I believe
with all the wildness
of my natural heart
with all the strength
of my free spirit
that some of you
want to do your part
want to join the battle
join the pact
to bring balance back
my kind
and our earth must trust
that you will
because you must
life on our earth
is dying
but it seems most humans
are just not trying
your carelessness
is killing our mother
gaia
and killing you and I
a result of your
lethal human arrogance
and this might just be
our final chance
we cannot let it
just go by
I was, where I am, when the snow began. Here, lost in reverie, remembering driving home for Christmas from the airport on a snowy night, after a long business trip — a memory triggered by this snowfall.
I remember the ruby chains of taillights, sparkling in the snowflakes, that floated to earth. Chains that stretched into darkness, over the horizon, pulling me along the freeway, home to you.
Exiting the interstate, I’d seek our country lane. I could make that left turn in my sleep. I’d envision every bend, every rise, every dip, stirring my heart. Finally came the drum roll of my tires, trundling the narrow wooden bridge, that spans the mountain stream — almost home.
Then parking, I’d turn off the motor, and crunch my way through fresh snow, as the front door opened. You’d come, bringing warmth — chai tea, and your loving arms.
