St. Stephen's Day

All year you were doing it

And refused to tell me why.

Each coin given in change

Was dropped into the empty coffee can

And by July, another can was needed.

December brought the Christmas tree

That you decorated with care

And when I asked what gift you wanted

You were annoyed

“We’re not buying anything,” you announced

With that special tone of finality.

Christmas night we sat together

Under blankets on the sofa

And you were happy

And I was lost in awe.

On December 26 you leapt from bed

And shook me awake.

“It’s Saint Stephen’s Day!” you proclaimed

Playfully poking your finger into my side

“Saint who?” I asked.

So all the coins were poured from the cans,

Counted and divided into packages

Of equal amounts before you pulled me

Onto the streets and into dismal alleys

“This is Charlotte,” you told me

And gave her one of the packaged coins.

“This is Thomas,” you later said

And presented him with another of the packages.

You knew all of their names

And I couldn’t understand how

These residents of alleys and park benches and bushes

Were known to you like old friends

I even noticed that Thomas was wearing

That sweater I was missing from the closet

“In Italy,” you told me, holding my face

Within your hands.

“St. Stephen’s Day is a time of giving.

Isn’t it wonderful?”

And in that moment I didn’t know

If the day was wonderful

I only knew that you were.

Reviews

[Mia]

Doc, it seems like every moment you shared with her was magical and I am glad for that! The more I read the more I love and the more I want to be like her. Hopefully that's not a weird thing to say...her wonderful heart is evident and I admire that greatly. It’s always a pleasure to peep into your memories!

[DrD]

As usual, you're most kind, Mia and as always, you are greatly appreciated.

[Faffy]

ahhh what a warm poem to read. its refreshing in someways to remember what Christmas really is and its about giving and spending time with loved ones no matter who or what you are. i loved the bit at the end it was very well it made me fell a bit fuzzy (haha) and put a huge grin on my face =)

loved this =)

-Roshan

[DrD]

Thank you, Roshan. Your words are always so kind and special.

[Horizon K.]

A Very sweet & compassionate story of giving to those who need it most. To distribute love that way is a gift in itself:)

[DrD]

Thanks for your visit, Horizon

[Becca Bishop]

Me, reading title: Oh, ok. Sounds vaguely interesting. Guess I'll give it a go.
Me, reading about collecting the money: Uh...huh....hmm....I don't quite see where this is going....keep reading, self....
Me, reading about distributing the money: Oh my heck!!!! I want to do that!!!
Me, finishing: AWWWWWW!!!!! I UNDERSTAND NOW!!!! THAT'S INSANELY, ADORABLY, WONDERFULLY, BEAUTIFULLY SWEET!!!!! *bursts into tears* Everyone needs to read this!!!
And, yes, I've eaten crow for my criticism of your title :P Isn't it fun to prove me wrong???

[DrD]

You're never wrong, Becca . . . . you just underestimate me at times. I'm always honored to have you here. Thank you, sincerely.

[WingsToFly]

Sweet. :) amazing write.

[DrD]

Thanks, Wings

[J. J. Nightingale]

Sweet memories of a beautiful giving heart

Thank you for reminding us of the the true spirit of Christmas

Jasmine XX

[DrD]

You're most welcome, Jazz

[Gray Witch]

Love this...it is uplifting and displays the true meaning of this holiday season... Thank you for sharing...

[DrD]

You're most welcome, GW (I always want to put "Bush" after that because I lost the note of your real name) I'm glad you enjoyed this true story.

[Gray Witch]

LOL... Leslie

[DrD]

Thank you, Leslie. I always appreciate your visits.

[emmajoy]

This is BEAUTIFUL, beautiful in style and even more in content. It's filled with the real essence of Christmas .. make me feel both happy and wistful. That final line really and truly represents a special thought, memory, love.

[DrD]

Thanks, Emma . . . . the best of times . . . .

[Tarry Franck]

Oh this is so beautiful. Enjoyed reading this uplifting piece. Makes me feel the warmth of the season. The want to give instead of take. Lovely write!

[DrD]

I appreciate you, Tarry. Thanks a lot.

[DrD]

Honestly, a beautiful heartfelt poem.
of truts, and facts, only a real traveled
Real life viewer sees things beyond.... you
can explore. Again i feel your words, and I know
you've traveled much.... that makes you the brilliant
Soul of now days.


E.L.

Blijf schrijven mijn allerbeste en grootste poet!

[DrD]

Dank je wel, lieve vriend.