holiday joy

another season, the end of a year, and the hope for another,

And so another season of

giving of thanks, radio songs,

Christmas joy in all its trappings.

And all is good. All is good.

For some of us, the holidays mean different things. When death has removed

all the people we knew and loved, 

these days mean that the laundromat will be almost empty;

the Waffle House is always open. The park benches will be unoccupied,

assuring the best choice of seating!

So, we give thanks for our dwelling place, our indoor plumbing, 

electricity and a bed to sleep in, and above all, the blessing of our pets- 

and the chance for clean clothes and waffles and coffee.

And all is good. All is good.

Reviews

[zeronineight]

Happy holidays! I love reading about the simple pleasures of life, the candid moments, the little wins. This piece is full of that. I hope you had a good year. I hope you have a good one in the next. I hope you get to the relish the simple pleasure of the park benches and the almost empty laundromats.

[Julian]

A thousand thanks for your kind words; As years go, it was not the worst, and there is always hope for the next to be brighter. And I hope and wish the same for you and yours; may you always shine brightly from the heart, whether the outer world seem fair or foul.

[NormaZ]

A nice reminder to be thankful for all the little things in life. I like that your poem is both sad and happy, like real life.

[Dave Brown]

waffles, coffee and fuzzy, cuddly, devoted, loving dogs
What else does a person need?
Oh yes, A roof and toilet wouldn't hurt either and of course, your life long loved one.

[Julian]

Roofs are totally good things- had to get a new one a couple of years ago and they are a blessing. And it is rumored that the madman, Rasputin, once said that he gained his final understanding of freedom on the day that he decided that the world was his toilet. One may only assume that he was using some metaphorical imagery, but then again...

[Ken Simm.]

The irony I see in this is almost beautifully palpable. Extraordinary.

[Julian]

Thank you for your kind words- your reading and commenting is deeply appreciated.

[Matthew Kult]

Contently joyful, utterly alone

Great read

With love

Matthew

[Julian]

Your words are so kind and right to the point. Thanks for reading, wishing you many blessings!

[Chris Shaw]

A reminder that the holiday period can be a lonely one for so many. Yet, these days if you have a roof over your head, you are warm in winter and eat, then these are things to be thankful for. So many who are homeless. Sending you Thanksgiving greetings Julian from the UK. All good things. I know you have critters to keep you company.

Chris

[Julian]

Dear Chris, your words and your presence are both overflowing with warmth, kindness and compassion. You make the world a better place.

[Chris Shaw]

That is such a wonderful thing for you to say. Thank you so much Julian.

[Arundass TP]

The final lines are really impressive. Good poem

[Julian]

thank you my friend; I hope that you have a blessed day and night.

[Starbaby]

It's hard to get excited about a holiday that you will spend alone. You are right that all we can do is to be thankful for what we have and hold dear those that still remain at our side. While I will not be able to be with my family, I will spend it at work, so those forgotten or left behind by their kin won't be alone and without a familiar face.

[Julian]

You are a blessing to others, then, and that is one of the greatest things that any of us can aspire to. My late wife worked in the labs at a children's hospital for about 30 years, so in her case, too, a lot of holidays were spent at work or at least on call. I regret that you will not be with family, but hope those whom you assist will recognize what a gift you give them.

[Starbaby]

sadly, for many of them it will likely be their last Christmas. It's a small sacrifice on my part to spend it bringing them some small comfort. I will celebrate with the family come January.

[Julian]

you may be giving hospice care or nursing home care. Either way, that is a hard but vital task. God bless you for your selfless acts of giving.