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

[CD Campbell]

First on style. I think you were firing on all cylinders on this one. Even though this was a free write I felt there was a cadence, a small pattern you were following in your own mind that I picked up on. I kept gulping each stanza as they came along. Nice. And as far as the wording and subject matter, I felt comfortable in the language and intent of the message. Love the use of scripture and I am happy to see someone give honor to where it is due without coming off as a boorish religious drone or a narcissistic atheist a*****e. Merry Christmas Jan. CD

[JayceeC]

I found that as I kept composing I slipped in some internal rhyme and by the end, was almost fighting a tight rhyme scheme. I didn't check the meter, but I'm sure it's there within the phrasing. Yes you can see and feel it as you read through. As for the scripture, deciding which version and how much was the hardest part of the write. I kind of like the archaic language of the King James version, though. Any thoughts there? Fitting it in naturally was the challenge but I think this version allows it to stand out but not too much, hopefully.
Half the time all I see is crap women I look at my own work.
Merry Christmas, my Okie friend! Send me some snow when it falls....Lol

[jacob erin-cilberto]

geeze...yes, i am feeling this in a way...only my dad and sister...and her disposition, personality...sits in between my dad and me....i read this and felt like i wanted to walk down an alley in the city and wish all of the homeless people a merry christmas.
so many forgotten....

[JayceeC]

J, I think about it more and more as I get older. If it makes you want to do something out of kindness,
I guess it did it's job.

[Einstein Noodle]

thank you for my new word "chrism" i had never heard it ..and i was raised in the Catholic Church .. :}
you touch the very foundation of Christ in His life and teaching .. reach out ..give .. its just that simple ..for something that just poured out ..i would say it is pretty darn good ...
E.

[JayceeC]

E, thanks for the kind comment. Yes it totally is the foundation of Christ's teachings. How can we celebrate him and ignore his teachings? Chrism is such a fun word with soothing overtones of a physical blessing.

[Einstein Noodle]

yes it is ..well done says i!

[A hare off]

You have unwrapped the real spirit of Christmas in this thougtful and giving piece. There are so many who are alone every day of the year and it breaks my heart, but especially at Christmas. This is the season of giving they say and if only a few would just give a little. It doesn't have to be anything much, time, a smile, a kind word and like you have written, open your hearts and your doors and make one or two people happy, it won't change the world but it can be a start. Your message in this poem is beautiful and heart warming. Great writing.

[JayceeC]

I've always wondered how even family can let members be alone at this time of year. Thank you for your comment and the inspiration.

[Willard Wells]

I must say we have very similar focus and beliefs in our thoughts on humankind. I try every Christmas to post to Neighbors and friends to remember that lonely neighbor or friend who may need a smile, a hug or just a Merry Christmas. But if you can make them part of your Christmas joy, they will never forget.

This is a beautiful work with a very important message. Thank you for sharing and reminding us to check on those whose world at this time of year may not be as happy as the merchants want you to believe. Peace out

[JayceeC]

Thanks Willard. I always look for ways to brighten people's day with a bit of kindness. I can only hope that my children will pass on the tradition. We are going to make Christmas arrangements for people in the nursing homes this year, and deliver them.
We invite neighbors at every holiday. I just think Christmas is worse than the others because there is still the Norman Rockwell idea of what it should be.
Hope you have a lovely Christmas. I may not be on much before then. Otto's 1st ankle surgery is Monday.

[Willard Wells]

My best to Otto and his time with his surgeon,

I will not be inviting anyone in since I will not be doing what you would call Christmas. But I will be delivering baked goods and candy I make for the holidays. Prayers for Otto and you during this time.

[JayceeC]

Thanks you Willard. Prayers are always welcome and appreciated.