So this is Christmas?

I had to do it

Stuck in traffic
scurry scurry
the perfect scarf
the glittering gems
boxes of chocolates
none of it means
anything
but we all think
it is necessary
I shovel sand against
the tide
smile and joke
wear a Christmas
hat - stop at an
elder home
drink wine and
fashion crafts -
I try but I get swept up
with the rest of them
standing in line
at the mall.

Reviews

[Joyce S. Greene]

Yes, we all eventually end up as part of the teeming masses "at the mall," KL. Not all bad though, you can catch a glimpse of children waiting to see Santa and their glowing eyes make up for a lot of hassle. I enjoy your poetry very much - your images are spot on and you say so much in just a few well-chosen words. Merry Christmas!

[Vidya Bacchus]

The best laid plans and all that I guess.We have all the best intentions but eventually end up following the crowd sometimes.Yes this is what Christmas has become a long line at the mall.Merry Christmas KL:)

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Nice and cynical portrayal of how we get conned into the commercial side of Christmas.

[Ruairidh]

I could relate to this, and the strange thing is that probably most people could as so many of us of get caught up in it in some way or another. The problem is pressure – ads from September, songs everywhere you go, never enough of anything to suit everyone. It's capitalism through and through, yet...

The first-person and present tense that you use here convey the festive melee well: we're right there with you. Especially the first five lines - the non-stop, here-there-everywhere nature of things at this time of year. And then glimpses of what this should be about: good-will, stopping to think about other people, enjoying yourself. It zips along right up until the final line, where I feel for you standing in line at that mall – when there's so much else to do...

Thanks for posting this; reading it, I stopped and smiled :)

[Lyn Anderson]

I really love Christmas. At least the way I remember it is supposed to be.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

I think some people just feel right about Christmas unless they have stood in line somewhere to buy something...well done, K.L. very relatable piece with that sardonic touch of humor.

[Lyn Anderson]

Actually, I finally didn't this year and it felt strange and wonderful, although I still felt guilty when people asked me if I was ready for Christmas and I actually just stayed home and made crafts and shopped online.:)

[Dispersus]

kind of sad as I think of it....hard not to get caught up I suppose....hope you don't mind, here is a piece you might like...I certainly think you'll agree by your take here

Ho Ho Ho

Tis’ the season to be jolly
Seems to me to be so much folly
As we approach the end of the year
Everyone clamors for good cheer

Ask anything and get a perfect answer
Swallow the tale of Rudolph and Dancer
Hyped up supersized corporate lie
What up with that? Reindeer can’t fly!

Packaged payoffs guilt eraser
Washed down dry straight no chaser
Stage is set familial confrontation
Bias past on next generation

Time bombs wrapped up ribbons and bows
Cut the cord before it blows
A celebration of apologies
Gathered around plastic trees

Showing loved ones how you feel
Throwing punches for the best deal
Swearing it’s what Christmas is about
Acting as if we can’t live without

Maybe this year we won’t be so greedy
Share sometime with someone who’s needy
It doesn’t matter if you get no presents
The world is full of giftless peasants

How nice it would be if we all cared
The personal reward of knowing you shared
Do something kind for a child or a friend
Pick up the phone try to make amend

Next year don’t wait for a lame reason
Make all 12 months the giving season
Find no excuses make it your cause
And you’ll always be like Ol’ Santa Claus

Peace,
R

[Lyn Anderson]

I love it, thank you, and from my heart. Merry Christmas.