This Christmas Day

[jwesley]

This Christmas Day

On
this tree
whose leaves
fall like rain,
whispers of sound
on presents unclaimed,
ribbons have come unfurled,
lights have dimmed – burned out,
and Christmas balls leave shattered remains
on carpeted floor –
~ ~ ~
the phone never rings,
bright green tree turned blue,
despairingly shades to black –
~ ~
the loss of you,
this Christmas Day.

*

Oh
See the people, see the crowds,
laughing and gay,
talking, waving their hands,
window shopping,
as they go on their way.

See that man, over there,
before the window
where the Christmas Tree stands.

See the colored lights
and Christmas balls
reflecting in his eyes,
on his cheeks,
where the tears run.

See that man,
crying, alone, forgotten -
dying inside.

See that man…
oh please,

see that man.




© wesley james beard, jr.
(Please don't assume everything I write is based on my personal life...)

[dwells]

A highly impactful piece J. - and with so many sons and daughters away from home now too, this invites a "fill-in-the-blank" meaning for the reader to personalize with a lover or loved one. Gone but not forgotten in these festive times for reflection as well. Cheers my friend and well-said - Dan
The abandoned and decaying tree speaks volumes.

[Michaelwg3]

I liked it - more lovely shaped poetry. The Christmas season is so enigmatic. Cold weather, bright lights, children's innocence and greed, the joy and sorrow of family and loved ones, present, lost, or far away, spirituality and materialism, sentimentality and the blues.

Thanks

Michael

[Balustrade]

If only "seeing that man" and smothering him with everything from genuine care and pity would bring "her" back....

[riversidepoet]

this is sadly beautiful, touched my heart, you have left your heart on the page with this one dear sir, may God bless.

[Lortimer]

Interesting formatting. A sorrowful look at a typically happy holiday. Very thought provoking.

[Josie]

I like that this was chosen for TPS Spotlight on this Christmas Week. The portrait of the Christmas tree highlights the feelings of those grieving for loved ones at this time of year, even when the loss or losses occurred decades ago.

[Forestdawn]

jwesley:

Indeed that man needs a hug. Sometimes that's all it takes, a smile or hug, will brighten someone's day, from gloomy to thankful.
Great piece. No wonder it made it to the Spotlight. Congratulations!!

[sparky21737]

Congrats on the spotlight it is well deserved. I really liked this piece, it was a plea for people to remember the ones left behind, forgotten, down on their luck. Well written and another congrats,

Sparky

[inflames]

This is lovely. Congrats on the Spotlight!