Remember the Forgotten

Remembering the forgotten at Christmas

The season approaches,

Speeding toward us on arctic zephyrs,

but the coldness is more than air

it seeps under the skin

where loneliness begins.

Is there any other day

where solitude's talons rake,

mutilating peace of mind,

quite so much as Christmastide.

Every commercial, acid sweet,

pouring depression over wounded souls,

digs it way to the past.

Memories of brighter days

faintly gleam in the background.

The twinkle of lights are

only merry when shared.

Lumps of coal bitterness 

are all that remain; 

Hard Candy Christmas

without the sweet--

Not even an orange seed.

Ask Ebeneezer,

he will tell you 

Bah and Hum Bug feelings

are all there are.

Until kindness reaches out,

Memories are no chrism

for loneliness--for onliness.

Solo flights over Christmas lights

No protective V to shelter

no tandem lift for spirits

even in a bottle;

just wings ever weakening;

Lifeforce ever shrinking

on this journey to the end.

One invitation--

one empathetic heart

in the true spirit 

to celebrate en

mass for Christ;

hands extended heart open

turn gleaming tears

to smiles of gratitude.

Forget the gifts

except those God-given

it is they that open

the  Kingdom of Heaven

"Inasmuch as ye have

done to the least of these

my brethren,

ye have done unto me."*

So open wide the doors,

invite the lonely in,

add a plate to the table

shared with kith and kin.

Embrace the coldness

of an empty heart

to fill it with riches

as you let them be a part

of a family again,

if only for a while.

Remember that neighbor

who sits on his own, 

great uncle dan eating 

crackers and microwave meals,

or even the couple who just moved in

or the old sad lady who lives next to them.

Christmastime can glitter

and be the darkest blue.

It's hues and lightness

vary, impacted and changed by you.

Don't know one with this face?

Open your eyes,

but peer with your heart.

If someone comes to mind,

beckon them, Come!

It's a place to begin.

* Matthew 25:40

Author's Note

This it a total free write composed as I went, but I've been thinking about those without close family, and how sad and lonely this season must be for them. My family tries to invite people we know who have no one close to our Christmas meal. We open gifts either earlier or later, so guests do not feel awkward, and there is always some small token for them to take home as well. Too many are just forgotten and left to face the Christmas commercials which emphasise empty houses, empty lives.

Reviews

[Great Aunt Astri]

This is quite a feat! Lovely to read

[JayceeC]

Thank you for reading and commenting.

[Coyote Poetry]

I agree kind Poet.
"If someone comes to mind,
beckon them, Come!
It's a place to begin."
Offered of kindness are truly appreciated. Warm and positive words in the outstanding poetry.
Coyote

[JayceeC]

Thank you John. May you be surrounded by those you love this season.

[Coyote Poetry]

You are welcome and I hope you and family have a safe and fun holiday.

[Nani Mino]

precious words.i love your way of writing

[JayceeC]

Thank you much for the compliment, and for taking time to read this piece which is a bit longer than most.

[...]

This is beautiful, Jaycee! If everyone would give, then everyone would receive. Very touching and beautifully written, dear poet :)

[JayceeC]

Thanks Lynn. We have several people who have no where to go, come and eat with us. I can't imagine Christmas on my own and think there are ways to ensure others don't have to

[alifeacoustic]

A beautiful and heartfelt piece, reminding us all that no matter what we think of the christmas period and commercialism, we are in a priveleged position in that we can choose to complain about it. Others are not so lucky.
Love the way this flows, like a stream of consciousness without page breaks or interruption. We have the chance to make christmas special for someone, lets hope more of us do.

[JayceeC]

If this serves to touch the consciousness of even one person and they respond, it will be a write well worth the time and effort. Thank you for the wonderful comments and review.

[alifeacoustic]

I am sure it will. And you are welcome :)

[David Scott]

I love this thought. The greatest gift we can give is to really see and remember the humanity of others.
A beautifully presented Christmas gift

[JayceeC]

Thanks David, for reading and commenting...It's to bad that many are only prepared to look at it one month of the year instead of every day.

[emmajoy]

Brilliant! Christmas is a time for peace and goodwill, supposedly. You've only to see how folk behave when shopping for 'whatever', how they tear about locked in their own worlds, generally oblivious to anyone else but selves. It's supposed to be a time for searching for memories, for taking the chance on getting to know someone new and create a memory for him or her. It's a time for looking about, watching, hearing, and.. most of all, for caring. Even a smile matters.

Thank you for writing with so much skill and empathy. Kudo to the nth degree.

Wishing you and those you love the chance to make the most wonderful memories this Christmas and long into the new year. .

[JayceeC]

Emmajoy, thank you for the glowing review. I think the older we get, the less things matter and the more things are superfluous to happiness. Have a blessed Christmastide and holiday season, surrounded by old friends and new.

[Writer at last! Sky ~]

Memories are really wonderful part of life. Missing those moments is really sad. Your "Remember the Forgotten" is truly very nice! Wishing you Merry Christmas 🎄

[JayceeC]

Thanks Skyfall. Hope your season is one full of joyful memories both old and new.

[Writer at last! Sky ~]

Welcome friend

[abderrahmane dakir]

It's difficult to live alone in the same days. The meaning of togetherness is our purpose to do in this life in order to relieve our daily issues. I like your affection embedding on your excellent writing.No ones can stand such as loss. Thank You so much Jaycee.

[JayceeC]

I am glad you enjoyed the tread, and got something out of it. Be blessed. Jan

[abderrahmane dakir]

You are welcome

[wordman]

my wife's aunt always said she sat amongst the dead,she lived alone ,and
all her pictures were her family that passed on..loved your write,it is a lonely time for a lot of people
the suicide rate goes way up this time of year

[JayceeC]

That is sad. I think between the weather-lack of sunlight and heightened awareness of family and love, it's very easy to see why people get depressed.

[wordman]

well,i guess life moves so fast I added the last stanza on dreams that you suggested