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

[Jimmy Yetts]

Am familiar with various versions of the colorful Freda.
Some keep Christmas decorations up out of mere laziness; Freda would probably
re-decorate every day, if it were possible.
A charming and well-portrayed poetic account, Chris.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Jimmy. Freda was a joyous person, who loved the sparkle of Christmas. I was lucky to have her as my paternal Nan. Really appreciate this review and your visit.

Chris

[Shoshana]

how are you such an excellent writer? please teach me!

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Shoshana. You can teach yourself my friend by reading. Keep reading other poets.
read moreThank you Shoshana. You can teach yourself my friend by reading. Keep reading other poets.

Chris

[Dave Brown]

This just highlights the humbug in me
I can't pack the stuff away quickly enough
Bah! Humbug!

[Chris Shaw]

Ha ha. Well, I managed to put the stuff away on twelvth night. Freda was shaking her head :)) You old grinch you :)

Chris

[Lorry]

I think i must know her, because i have so been in that house in my childhood. I can still see the queens golden jubilee mug 1977, with last years parcel bows inside, as i wondered why the queen gave mugs out for having an ice pole (jubilees)
Hmm, now im thinking of chelsea whoppersand strawberry bootlaces. How did that happen?
Go on, tell yourself you'll take them down at the weekend, you know you wanna 😀

[Chris Shaw]

Yep, she had Jubilee mugs too. A great admirer of the Queen. I just remembered those ice poles, but what is a Chelsea whopper? Strawberry shoe laces were luvvely. See we've both ended up in the sweet shop again. We always do. Kids at heart Lorry.

Chris

Chris

[Lorry]

They were chewy strips covered in cocoa powder, sold in strips of 5, or two if the pocket money fairy hadnt been. 😀