it's december

memories as i watch the snow falling on TV

artwork by wade courtesy of pinterest

it's december

on TV

the snow falls to the ground

like opa’s whiskers fell into the sink

way back when the poetry of family surrounded me

and life was so simple that an apron

hid any stains daring to mar the day

daddy’s work clothes were in the laundry room

and school books were put away

because we knew holidays were for dressing up

for celebrating us

mommy cooked a meal fit for royalty

tante set the table

yesterday’s snowman stood watch outside

but we would greet him later

as we went down the hill on our sleds

oom would film us so we would never forget

the fun, the love, the day

the rosy time tunnel of memory does rewrite some events

but this was much more than a facade

it’s true

all these years later the south florida sun

can't melt my memories

of december

Reviews

[D Connolly]

I can't believe it's taken so long for me to get to this point in my library (2 months!). I love this poem. "The rosy time tunnel of memory" and "the south Florida sun can't melt my memories" are so perfect for me. Living in South Florida myself, I haven't seen snow in a million years, but I do remember growing up across the pond; snowsuits, sleds, ice skating on frozen ponds, white Christmases, and cold noses thawing in hot mugs of cocoa... those memories stick with me, just like your lovely memories. Thank-you for sharing them with me

[Lydia Shutter]

So you live in Florida too? I didn't know that. Where? I am near Fort Lauderdale. Thank you for the lovely review. Lydi**

[D Connolly]

Siesta Key area

[Lydia Shutter]

Oh, on the west side....so you see the Gulf.

[Shabeeh Haider]

Beautiful memories. The sadness that one feels when reminiscing about the past is very much evident in this beautiful poem.

[Lydia Shutter]

Thank you, Shabeeh. Lydi**

[jacob erin-cilberto]

yes, like barleygirl said...a bit different from your you usual style...has a prose feel to it...but cast that memory back...again to when holidays were special, simple...about family---

not what has happened today...this also reminds me of December in Trinidad...celebrating with my folks when they lived there...95 degrees and christmas lights on the palm trees.


:)

beautiful poetry, lydi..

j.

[Lydia Shutter]

December brings out the memories of my family and all they meant to me. Thanks for the review, Jacob. Lydi**

[barleygirl]

This is so beautiful! I love the departure from your usual crafted poetry, this being more raw & organic like storytelling of one's memories verbally. So many delightful memories described, some which are traditional for many & others that are unique to your family. I especially love the "apron" sentiments, since my older sisters & mom are all busty (not me) & they were always wearing evidence of their avid cooking extravaganzas! I also love the contrast between the snow country memories while basking in balmy Florida.

[Lydia Shutter]

Thank you so much, Margie. I miss my family very much in December. We were all very close. Lydi**

[Miss Sharon]

I see we are on the same "winter snow" wave length today Lydi! You've written of your beautiful childhood memories in such a way I felt as though I were sledding down the hill with you! Now that I live in Colorado I LOVE playing in the snow like the 70 year old kid that I am! Wish you were here to share it with me. ~Sharon

[Lydia Shutter]

The snow is not for me anymore. After living in South Florida since high school, I can not handle the cold these days. I can picture you playing in the snow. You have always enjoyed nature. Thanks for the review, Sharon. Lydi**

[emmajoy]

You've set scenes wrapped in the most wonderful memories... brought tears to my eyes, dear friend. Why or why does this time of year create such a huddle.muddle of tears and smiles! Seems we're at our most vunerable perhaps. Nudges thoughts to surface to prickle and tickle us into making more.. much more.

Beautifully described and, so obviously felt:

'but this was much more than a facade
it’s true
all these later the south florida sun
can't melt my memories
of december '

[Lydia Shutter]

Thank you so much, Emma. Yes, this is a reflective time of year indeed. We miss our loved ones more than other times of the year. Through the looking glass of time, some things seem rosier than they really were, but my memories are clear....and I cherish them. Merry Christmas to you, dear one. Happy Healthy 2017. Lydi**

[Valentine]

Sounds like my childhood in Michigan. Lived in the south 25 years, returned north after losing my husband. Nothing like the memories of December, the tree shopping, Dad putting up lights on the house, snow falling. Now you have me lonesome for yesterday. Valentine

[Lydia Shutter]

Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts, Kathie. Lydi**

[Paul Bell]

Sitting in the sun thinking about the snow in December. How time flies. But what great memories to fall back on.

[Lydia Shutter]

Thanks so much, Paul. Lydi**

[Paul Bell]

Is it warm in Florida just now.

[Lydia Shutter]

This morning it is 79 and humid...supposed to go up to 86 today.

[Paul Bell]

That's hell Lydi. 7 here and to get colder. lol

[Lydia Shutter]

Both ends of the spectrum for sure!

[Patricia Wedel]

dear Lydi... your poem is close to my heart. As a child in Maryland, I would bundle up and run outside... lay down in the snow and with outstretched arms
make angel wings in the snow.... not realizing that someday I would fly with
birds and pen poetry and meet poets like you with bouquets of colorful emotions. truly, Pat

[Lydia Shutter]

What a sweet review....you truly do fly like an angel when you write your poetry....and your reviews. Thank you, Pat. Lydi**

[Patricia Wedel]

Thanks Lydi... I love your comment on gossamer wings... Pat

[Kelly Scheppers]

It truly is the season for remembering. In reading this, I felt like that little girl again...believing this is the season for magic and miracles.

Like colored ribbons adorning their packages, you've penned the most loveliest gift of all, Lydi! Thank you for sharing it with me...for all of us here at the Cafe.

The happiest of holidays to you...and here's to another new year!

[Lydia Shutter]

Thank you, dear Kelly. May 2017 bring you good health and all you wish for. Lydi**

[Sheila Kline]

Wonderful!! How precious are the memories that you vividly describe as you reflect on those that were filled with such supreme love and caring for one another in your family! I can certainly understand why they withstand even the hottest rays of a Southern FL day! Your thoughts sparkle like snowflakes in that sun.
p.s. If I could send you some snowflakes I would!

[Lydia Shutter]

Thank you so much, Sheila....but I will skip the snow! :) Lydi**