Remnants

'Tis the season of goodwill and giving, (for the lucky most of us.)

'I am the light of the world'

For those behind the broken fence, 

no god with season's blessing gleams,

nor sweet perfume hangs in the air 

to squander on some flippant care.

Instead, raw cold, wrapped in old news, 

they roam the desolated streets;

gaunt shadows of their former selves 

that hold a deeper grief than mine;

where no caroling or festive din 

will let the light come shining in

on lives forever unfulfilled and 

bitterness that grips and kills.

Yet there, in a corner, neon lit, 

though too faint for Christmas bustle 

observation, a thought floats as if 

caught in some great dilemma;

whilst further down the street 

a man dressed as Santa Claus gives 

away yesterday's newspapers; 

ignoring the thought, that eventually 

slips away to where broken dreams 

hang on a cross of light.

"Merry Christmas everyone," 

he booms. "Read all about it, 

for I am the light of the world."

His voice is very like the bells that ring out for

some but not for others, so I find a handful of 

guilty change and give it to the man in exchange 

for a newspaper which I have no intention of reading. 

He nods and pockets the thought; as far, far above

in the vaulted heavens, the star of Bethlehem blinks out.

Reviews

[Patricia Wedel]

dear Beccy... the Star of Bethlehem blinks out... how can we bring it back... a time of year when many shed a Tear and fear as Life is Far too Fragile for the Wise Men to follow a Star while Shepherds tend their Sheep. The Cattle are Loing and Baby Jesus awakes asAngels pray for Jesus to Save Mankind ... while Ceasar and others have different Plans. There is still Time for Gifts of Love and Devotion... to become the New Jerusalem. softly, Pat

[Eilis]

Christ’s message can be lost in the way that he meant it among the bright lights of contemporary reality. He asked us to be the light in his stead but so often we can lose sight of what that truly means. Being the light to those we might not choose to be connected to is difficult. Especially in a world that often promotes the opposite message. Your poem speaks to me of the responsibility in keeping that star, its meaning, its gravity, from flickering out.

Your message is powerful, Beccy. Remembering to care for those in need in times of celebration is vital not only for those who need it but for our own psyches. Spiritual well-being for those who believe in the spirit. Cynicism threatens more and more every year to swallow all the goodness. Being, doing good is an exercise and an important way to advance something outside the dark circle of cynicism. I’m glad to read this tonight. It takes me back to the simplicity of the message to ‘love one another’ at a time when that doesn’t always feel intuitive or easy.

[Lorry]

Nicely captured. How our "luck" or "fate" is mostly destined by circumstances not under our own control.
Not everyone is born into fortunate circumstances, buy some rise above and succeed, while others are often overlooked by such things as demographics and other labels so hard to remove, no matter how they try.
There was a famous quote that I only half remember that we are all born equal, but some more equal than others is ringing in my head right now.
In the spirit of these festive times, let's hope for some Christmas miracles for those that deserve them.
🎄 🎅 🧑‍🎄 🎄

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Pocketing the thought...guilty change...and for so many, there is no Christmas...there is no manger, no baby Jesus....just freezing cold and yesterday's news to cover their freezing backs...as Santa flies overhead delivering gifts that for these people would be a couple bucks for the warmth of a bottle.
This is so powerful, Beccy...
j.