A present from Greek twins...peace.

Simple stuff to while away some time.

The town's streets are now empty, silent,
as all retreat to suburban sanctuaries
to eat, drink and be merry,
though the latter a pretence in many households
as family communication ever more silenced,
1989 and the three double-ues a gag,
tongue tying all from the ages of young to death...

Once presents opened, quickly, greedily,
with no thought to the attached wishes,
"Merry xmas, love from..."
all retreat into their "me, my, mine" cocoons,
a safe place of selfish seclusion
there within blinded to the "no rest for the wicked" mother,
their head chef, chief bottle washer, skivvy,
as she prepares, cooks, presents,
without fuss or fanfare, without thanks,
a feast unmatched on any other day,
this dispatched by the seated gluttons,
in silence, barring the scraping of utensils on china
and wheezing, as arteries constrict and waistlines expand,
stomachs strangled by cowhide and buckles.

Before the King appears gluttonous amnesia kicks in,
weeks and weeks of planning, parties, overspending, forgotten
as food comas and alcohol induced slumber strike,
one by one the self absorbed offering themselves, freeely,
to hypnos, who in turn offers each to his twin,
he then in the coming days, weeks, months, years claims each as his own...

How simple Christmas day with only one mouth to feed,
a single chair, a few good memories and peaceful rest.

Author's Note

Each year on Xmas day the monarch of the UK has a speech of their own choice presented at 3pm on TV.

Reviews

[Marie]

You have superbly captured Christmas for so many people in this exquisitely inked poem, dear Gee. It is a very true but so sad reflection on how life is today in our world. The hard work behind the scenes is completely forgotten. Gifts are taken for granted and as you so wisely imply the gift cards are not even read. Mother cooks the many different parts to the meal, sets decorates the table, lights the candles and serves up the food, clearing away after each course. When everyone has finished dining, once they retire to the sitting room she begins to wash up, then dry, then put away all the ware and utensils. She barely has that task completed when everyone wants Tea and so she starts all over again! When she says she's tired, the family look at her as if she has suddenly got two heads instead of one and wonder why she's tired. You have captured the selfishness superbly, dear Gee. Captivating and gripping write which I can identify with. Brilliant work! Thank you for sharing, dear friend Gee... Kudos from me...

[Betty Hermelee]

This is what I call a "fake " Christmas... pretending to merry and light and a lot of togetherness; what it really feels like is a dull, ordinary Christmas the same every year, not much merriment going on...we wonder what the royals do on Christmas day... is it regalia times ten.... or is it the same boring holiday as the rest of us ...I'm sure it's glutenous and pretentious.....and then it's over until the nest year .....that's the upper class... but what about those who have no food?
Warmly, B

[Gee]

Apologise for a very late thank you.
Hope you are well Betty

[Betty Hermelee]

No apologies!! we're all busy little bees!!
And you're very welcome Gee
Warmly, B

[Thomas W Case]

Fantastic work. I really enjoyed it.

[Gee]

Thank you Thomas

[Dave Brown]

as I sit here early early morning with my 6lb. fluffy white, loved one, we both mourning another loss by my beloved Canuck's hockey team, I reflect back to Christmas day being much more of an all inclusive family affair in terms of prep and and clean-up, as grandchildren become adults.
Also, I note your reference to the King's address
Here, interest in "our Monarch,' now that the Queen, who was well received here, has passed, has faded dramatically.
I wonder how well the 'royal' family will get through his reign with so much negative press constantly exposing their shortcomings.
There are no doubt, still many "older' Canadians who feel a connection but in so far as the younger generation is concerned, there seems little to no interest.
Best wishes for the new year with hopes that no other country can find an excuse to start yet another conflict and that Putin accidently steps on a landmine!!
Blah, blah, blah!!!!

[Gee]

Hi Dave, thanks.
Happy New year

[FGFRANKLIN]

My problem with vacations is that they seem more work than relaxation. Everyone demands your time, everyone wants you to travel, don't forget to bring a covered dish...makes you want to take something completely disgusting so next year they might not ask you. I just want to stay home and sleep the holidays away. Of course, I am the "no rest for the wicked" cook and chauffeur.

[Gee]

It's good to get back to work for a rest:)
Thanks for dropping in.
CHeers hoping 2024 is good to you and all you hold dear.

[emmajoygreen]

Time and tradition have so much to answer for, Gee. Scrap the throne, some will sob.
But, feed the hungry, fill their plates indefinitely, not just at Christmas because their tears dilute Humankind. Kind? Where is the kind when a day's food is not even a mouldy orange in a crumpled bag? We're at a crossroads where begging is pain for the proud yet - regalia would clothe a community.

[Gee]

Good morning from rainy Derbyshire where we have spent the last 3 days and nights being blown off our feet and pelted by rain, back to sunny MK today.
Never been a fan of the royal family and the entitlement, easy life that comes with it. How nice the silver spoon must taste, better than a bin saved burger I'd imagine. Would love to know what REALLY goes on behind closed doors as for long as royalty existed they have been a strange, twisted bunch :))
As new year approaches I hope you have enjoyed the festivities and that when here the new year gifts you nowt but happiness and health.
If I could make a frivolous new year wish it would be to turn the cafe into reality just for one day so that I could get to meet the REAL folk that visit.
Keep safe and well.

[Gee]

Oops, thank you m'dear

[emmajoygreen]

Oops forgiven of course. Get back where you belong, raise the heat, pour the tea (or summat) , dawdle a jig, then snuggle near the fire, rad or whatever.
As to reality in here: 1st, thump the trolls then
evict the too-much-time-on-their-hands-vindictive THEN, ask folk what their NY resolutions are; good indicator of hopes and shares are good indicators,

Good holidays to date, fun and warmth, health improving, look forward to 2024, God willing a far kinder year than this one, All we have to do is prime the global multitudes.

[Chris Shaw]

We had a lovely family meal Gee as we have done for years, although I am aware that so many are on their own and not enjoying the occasion. It can be a painful time for many. As to the King’s speech. I gave that a miss. I always listened to the Queen though. Now getting ready to bring in the new year. Can it be worse than this one? Yep, I think it can. On that cheerful note, I wish you and yours a good one.

Chris

[Gee]

Lol, let's keep.our fingers crossed tis better not worse eh :)))
Hope the new year IS better for you and yours Christine and you sail serenely through it in both a happy and healthy manner.
Stay indoors as it's going to blow a hoolie and Lee down with rain.
Thanks for ensuring my stuff during 2023 is much appreciated :)
Take care

[Gee]

Pee not lee.........enduring not, well you know

[Chris Shaw]

I hope to see you posting more next year Gee:) Get that pen of yours writing:))

[Gee]

Tis my aim but for me to post what I deem decent I need death and misery in my life not health and happiness. Guess I'd better make a list of folk that I can do without :)))

[Chris Shaw]

Ha!! It is much easier to pen misery than happy isn’t it? There’s not alot of humour about these days either :)

[Arundass TP]

Beautiful and meaningful written piece of poetry. Enjoyed reading 👍

[Gee]

Thank you sir