December Song

December Song

too poor to sing carols

I could stand by a pine

but not my own

the lights strung by the moon

dark testament

to the new Yule

used to live where

electricity was not a gift

to find under the tree

but a necessity procured

with mean green

that is now unseen

my heart is trying to sing today

but a pine cone hit me in the head

to remind me

this winter tree has its own 

green dressed in white

and I am painfully aware of my blight

as I shiver within

and without

it will be January soon

and I wonder if 

I will see February

by the light of the moon

or heaven.

erin-cilberto

12/25/2020

Reviews

[Neville]

................. there is a distinctive chill that runs throughout this song .. you literally made this old fella shiver jacob ...... nice tho' ..

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you for your understanding, Neville,
j.

[Dave Brown]

about the only plus side of things for me at this time of year is that the days are getting longer and heading in the right direction

[jacob erin-cilberto]

yes, heading in the right direction...thank you, Dave,
j.

[adornoscousin]

There is a sadness and coldness to this poem. I hate January- it is so depressing. I feel some of that conveyed here. The winter trees as you note, might have their secrets and ideas. I think poetry might be the best way to tap into that.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you for your words, adorno,
j.

[.]

A very poignant write here. As the snow covered tree has its green under cover likewise hope in every diminishing light. Faith is the torch in the darkest of dark.. Feeling sad...

[jacob erin-cilberto]

yes, faith is the torch...thank you, Dreamer,
j.

[John the Baptist]

The last verse has an ominous sound to it. Hope it is only metaphoric.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

metaphoric...thanks, John,
j.

[Coyote Poetry]

Hello Jacob. Many lonely people, many homeless. Here in Michigan, they try to ensure the poor are warm and safe. Winter is here in Michigan. Many folks will need a helping hand. Thank you my friend for sharing the powerful poem with a message.
Coyote

[jacob erin-cilberto]

I tip my had to Michigan...you have some really good leaders there...and some kind people, like yourself.
I have a best friend from Michigan ----
He is from Detroit. Our librarian at the community college where I teach.

[Paul Bell]

The Christmas that passed by as the rivers began to fill with people left behind.
Isn't that the way it's been since time and memorial. Greater faiths than mine will have an answer, they usually wear gold crosses.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you for your words, Paul.
j.

[light and ashes]

Beautiful.....This is a really great write. It is as lonely as it is genius.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you for your kind words, Light.

[Betty Hermelee]

This paints a picture of a dark Christmas, no joy in this one; what people take for granted is simply not here( i.e. lights, money, etc) very barren and painful inside and out; how long will this go on? Will I be evicted ? Starve ,or die?

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you for your thoughtful reply, Betty.
j.

[Betty Hermelee]

You’re quite welcome Jacob🙏

[barleygirl]

My favorite part of this poem is how you point out that heat/power/electricity isn't the "given" that it might've once been for many who are no longer in the green. Lots of people are scrimping on heat, including me. I love how your poem sounds playfully flippant & ironic (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you for your kind review, Margie.
j.