Dicing With Superstition

(Freda who loved nothing but a London knees up)

Let me tell you about Freda

who kept souvenirs of Pope John

on her Welsh dresser along

with cracked plates and chipped

saucers.

A medley of mismatched crockery

where the cups suspended from

brass hooks would rattle together

with the passing of each train.

When it came to Christmas

she couldn't help her enthusiasm.

Her paper chains in primary colours

fanned out from ceiling roses in

each of her basement rooms,

no gloom permeated that place.

Each old picture frame

adorned with tinsel and those pretty

glass blown baubles dangled in their

spangled delight from a scented pine

tree in the parlour  corner.

Celebrations commenced in November

continued in December and extended

to March when reluctantly she caved in

to pack all those precious trinkets

back in boxes, just in time to greet

the arrival of spring.

On twelvth night I find there's

a struggle going on in my mind.

You see there's a little Freda in me.

I hesitate as she speaks.

"Why not wait?", I hear her say.

"There's no harm my dear in a delay,

no harm at all in a few extra days".

Reviews

[jacob erin-cilberto]

start the season early and let it last almost to summer....
everyone is so kind during that season of yuletide....or most are...why not extend it.
and this poem also shows that the darkest places can be brightened by what the inhabitants do to make it so.
j.

[Chris Shaw]

She lived in the shadow of the railway arches, but the inside of her home was lit like a 100 watt bulb:) My Dad's mum, what a gem she was. Kindest soul you could ever meet. Thank you Jacob.

Chris

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Margie. I am wondering what it would be like to not have a single decoration on site at Christmas. I can't imagine that, though not having to pack anything away after Christmas at all, sounds a bonus. That is so time consuming.

Chris

[barleygirl]

First, let me confess that I own NO holiday decorations, never have a Christmas tree, etc . . . so it's a long haul from where I live to those who obsess over decorations. This character profile is like a slowly-tumbling revelation & I love your playful haphazard quality. The mark of the best writers is when you pick (as you do) such all-encompassing details (like mismatched crockery) that each one tells a story unto itself, creating an even more fulsome view than mere words suggest! (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Lyn Anderson]

eccentric people can really make us think -- and sometimes, we can learn to be a little like them and it makes for a more colourful view of the world.

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks Lyn. Love that streak of eccentricity that some people have. It's like a breath of fresh air.

Chris

[poetgurl]

such an sentimental write here, full of feeling. so nicely written

[Chris Shaw]

Kimmie, I thank you for your encouraging review. All good wishes.

Chris

[gram linski]

we should all keep a little Freda within, keep the spirit alive, great sentiment, and if you can bring a smile in the darkest month then that is a good thing

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you gram. Yes we all need a Freda to bring us a smile in the bleakest of times.

Chris

[Eilis]

It's wonderful to have such people in our lives who bring brightness when much tells us it's not worth the effort --or some other foolish adult sentiment. Sounds like Freda always held on to the child-heart a bit and managed to find joy in simple places--which is such a blessing to the ones who find a way to that mindset.

I love the details you've shared in this, Chris. There's a sensitivity and showcasing of the whimsical spirit of the woman that makes her instantly endearing. It is, indeed, all in the eye of the beholder, and you've lent us your eyes so we can see the woman in her dear-to-you form. Its'a a lovely tribute/portrait. And, indeed, as we're nearly two weeks in to the New Year, I'm still fighting with myself about taking down my own decorations. Sometimes you just don't want to let go of the festive spirit.

It's a lovely poem, Chris. Glad to read it. All the best for a grand new year to you!

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Eilis for your thoughtful review. Happy New year to you and yours.

Delighted that you still have those festive decorations up. There's a little of Freda in you too.

Chris

[Julie McCarthy (juliesp..]

Love this it’s so sentimental and especially as it’s about a real person your dear grandmother loved it

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Julie for your kind review. Pleased you enjoyed the read.

Chris

[Julie McCarthy (juliespenhere)]

No worries

[Fran Marie]

Ah ha. Frieda sounds like a delightful character and she could be a friend of mine anytime..nothing wrong at all in a few extra days..I think we all have a little bit of Fridas lovely spirit ..I have the tinsel on the tree thingy..drives my grown up kids crazy..they say its not cool ..No one puts tinsel on trees anymore..I just tell them politely
..I Do..

This was a fun read
Nice Work Chris

[Chris Shaw]

I have tinsel too on my Christmas tree and like you don't take any notice of the kids.:) Freda was wonderful, pleased you enjoyed reading about her Fran-Marie. All good wishes.

Chris

[Einstein Noodle]

:) how this makes me smile Christine ... there are some incredible Fredas around and gone and around again says i! ... "(Freda who loved nothing but a London knees up)" .. seems Gramma had quite the edge to her :) ... were i left alone ... no baubles would be shown ... no tinsel torn and thrown ... no work left undone unless its sown ;)))))))))) my youngest daughter was the one that inspired me .. c'mon Dad!!! if you don't get the "stuff" out i will do it myself .. i do love that little girl :) your Gramma seems well named ...
Frida Kahlo instantly popped into me noodle ... and especially from Freda Laughton
".......till I too
Am ripe with living and my fruit is grown.
Then break the shell of life. We shall be born,
My child and I, together, to the sun."
i love your Nan! mine was more structured ... tho chips in plates were many ... when it came to "company" or "family affairs" ... all had to be just so ... such a thrilling history eh!? ... how incredible our heritage is ... well done ... baubles or no ... it is a clear celebration of life says i! :)
E.

[Chris Shaw]

What a wonderful review Mr E celebrating the Freda's of this world as well as the ones who have left us. Thank goodness for that little girl of yours. So you did get baubles :)) I am so pleased you liked my Nan, she was such a down to earth, happy soul. I have so many more tales of Freda I could write about. Poor of purse, but rich in spirit. Loved her to bits. Thank you so much.

Chris

[Einstein Noodle]

we have boxes of baubles ... its what makes decorating the tree extra special ... many of the ornaments full of memories brought to the surface when hanging them .. i would be excited to know you will be sharing some more about your Freda ... God bless! tally ho! ;)

[Chris Shaw]

I will have to post more Freda Mr E. Especially for you :))

[Einstein Noodle]

;) ....................