Who Will Carve This Christmas

Missing loved ones

The messages shorter, less sincere than in previous years,
with the black ink used reflecting his mood
as his pen dragged laboriously across snow white Christmas cards,
each glib, festive greeting sealed with kisses
from lips chapped by sorrows cold winds.
His favourite time of year now dreaded,
bad enough one empty chair at the table.

They'd not discussed who'd bless, carve,
it was as if not talking might somehow make it easier,
instead the opposite,
trepidation and a wishing the day over filled his heart,
a heart that longed for his childhood Christmas' of fun, laughter, love.
And then came tears, tears that fell sorely, unashamedly, freely,
as the last card read before not writing,

"To a very special father at Christmas time "

Author's Note

Written with Jacob in mind...

Reviews

[Neville]

What an emotionally charged festive write, I miss mine all the time. A great write and one that left me with a lump in my throat...Seasons Greetings, Neville

[Gee]

Thank you Neville

[Neville]

My pleasure, glad to be of service....Neville

[Plane Jade]

I tried writing a review and ended up moaning about my own sadness of the silly season. Well done Gee once again your a ability to convey emotion has moved me deeply. Merry Christmas may find joy in your love those who love you.

[Gee]

Thank you, May you and nyours have a wonderful festive

[barleygirl]

This is hauntingly true-to-life for my fragmented family under an abusive father. I totally understand the disconnected chunks of holiday tradition with nothing warm & fuzzy that adds any cohesiveness to the cold rituals. I love the way you show the rips & voids thru imagery rather than explaining. You do that so well! *sigh!* Fondly, Margie

[Gee]

Thank you Margie, always appreciate your reviews

[Silmara McGarry]

Even with the sadness....The sheer sincerity of this poem absolutely captivated me. Not so easy for a writer to putt into words such truthfulness and you did it right on!

Well done, dear Gee ;-)

[Gee]

Thank you..

[Beccy]

Indeed; Christmas is not always a jolly time for everyone. Sadness can crowd out the joy of good memory.

I miss my Nan most of all, and ever will until I get to meet her again. Nanny goggles, she was known as to my sister and I and all our various friends who were always welcome in her home. The nickname was on account of the overlarge pink plastic NHS glasses she always insisted on wearing, and was forever losing.

Your poem touched me deeply.

Beccy.

[Gee]

Thank you Beccy. To have feelings such as yours only come from having known true love. Sadly, some will never know these feelings.

[emmajoy]

This is such a beautiful sadness, perhaps shared by others in varying forms.. not that that helps you in the here and now. Your words - set in place with natural elegance and sincerity, are so much more than more, Gee. Amazing poet you: able to write fun at the drop of the hat but then - within days, post such emotional poetry, the reader's heart aches. This time of year is full of too much of everything, sadly thinking back, imagining, searching and - all that.There's no magic cure, no magic words EXCEPT somehow to hug the memories that made tears and smiles glisten with joy. Believe me, they'll never, never leave your heart-home.

Warm blessings for you and your lovely ladies.

[Gee]

I’m glad, often amazed, that my words are so well received, especially by those of you blessed with real talent. Thank you kindly EmmaJ, hope you have a wonderful weekend.

[emmajoy]

One can't always know but sharing can.. sometimes.. help. Thank you for your wishes, same to and for you and yours..

[John Alexander McFadyen]

A timely and apt piece of grief reminding us that Christmas is not always exciting and fun for some. You capture the feelings so well in this flowing and descriptive piece Gee,

[Gee]

Cheers John. Somehow got to thinking of Jacob who list his father and this materialised. Hope he won’t mind..,

[Gee]

Lost.......