Do You See The Light?

The light which puts out our eyes is darkness to us. Only that day dawns to which we are awake. There is more day to dawn. The sun is but a morning star. - Thoreau

Carol is seventy years old with arthritis, a knee replacement, back pain and had long since ended her marriage stating that, "I just didn't love him anymore."   Therese had been married to a man who abused her, ending that marriage and eventually marrying another man who had since passed away.  She now also has health issues including cardiac problems.

The other day they were both discussing getting rid of their Christmas decorations that they had in storage in the basement of the apartment building where we live.  Carol, who has a rear facing apartment said that she no longer wanted to put up her Christmas lights because, "No one sees them."  Therese added, "All they do is make your electric bill go up."

Later that day, as I thought about them and what they had said, I couldn't help but think to myself, you don't stop putting up Christmas decorations because bad things happen in life but rather you keep putting them up because something good happened ...

Author's Note

"All things in this world must be seen with youthful, hopeful eyes." - Thoreau

Reviews

[Zoe Richardson]

Have you been peeking into my past? Therese could be me. I will admit to rather Spartan Christmas decorations. That's always been my preference, however. I think what you are truly expressing here is the loneliness these women feel. It's hard to keep going when your body is breaking down. thank you for the bit of hope at the end. That is what keeps us going, after all!

[Pete]

i think you're probably right - i really felt for these women growing older and carrying the burdens of their pasts. thanks so much for sharing thoughts peace zoe ... :)

[Gee]

So, so true. Mail them to me please:)
Nice piece Pete

[Pete]

lol. thanks gee. she tried to give them to me but i have no room for them

[Chris Shaw]

How sad not to put the decorations up when they can add a little cheer to life. Your story here Pete reminded me of my Nan. Decorations would go up in November and come down for Easter. She just loved Christmas and wanted it to last. Hope all is good with you. All the best. Enjoyed my visit.

Chris

[Pete]

that's funny about your nan. all is good and hoping the same with you. thanks for the visit ... :)

[ROSALIND]

Great write but very sad I empathize with this Lady .illness abuse can leave scars that cause unspeakable wounds I have been there .On the brink of giving in and giving up
Not wanting to put any Christmas decorations up.
Saying what's the point .
Then I remind myself that Go d loves me and made a huge sacrifice by taking my place on a cross to give up his life .
I should be thankful.
Alow I understand not everyone shares the same belief

[Pete]

what you say all true. life can be hard, even cruel. even a sliver of light can make a difference. thank you for sharing ... :)

[AYVID N]

So true Pete...putting up of Christmas decorations reflects an inner state of joy. I loved the point made here. It has nothing to do with which part of the building we occupy. If the spirit is Merry, it's Christmas!

[Pete]

thank you for kindly understanding ... :)

[Sami Khalil]

Wow! I love it. I like how the poet sheds light on this neighbor's past relationships, the ups and down, the abuses, the realization about marriage and men. Then on top of that she cares about looks and saving money on bills.
A good short story with wisdom.

[Pete]

life is about choices. thank you for sharing ... :)

[Sami Khalil]

So true and well articulated. You are welcome sir Pete.

[emmajoygreen]

'"You don't stop putting up Christmas decorations because bad things happen in life but rather you keep putting them up because something good happened ..."

Better to be thankful for not only the small mercies but for anything and all that left a gentle smile and lasting memory. Not by Thoreau but might have been, Pete.

[Pete]

darkness can cause us to bump into yet more and more things. we discern ever more in the light.
read moredarkness can cause us to bump into yet more and more things. we discern ever more in the light.

have been hearing an owl outside my window at night - who who who who ... who who who who (four calls, a pause and then four more in repetition) - delightful ... :)

[emmajoygreen]

Exactly what I tried to say

[S.zaynab.kamoonpury]

I like the beautiful radiant positivity of the poem.
And not loving anymore after marriage though madly in love before marriage seems to be a common phenomenon . Kudos!


Plz also read and comment my newest poem too

[Pete]

the path of least resistance seems to be darkness these days. we live to love again. light is there if we dare keep looking. i find it in the most unexpected places and when there appears to be none we must evermore be the light. thanks so much for sharing thoughts ... :)

[Dave Brown]

Those lights help to refocus unhappy minds and likely will bring a bit of pleasure to others that might see them as they pass by

[Pete]

thanks dave. you clearly get it - we are ever in a battle in this life and must not ever let darkness win, especially not in our hearts or our own little corners of this world ... :)