#christmastree - Hello Poetry

My son was six, the day we had to hear The doctor tell us, he wouldn’t make it to the next year He didn’t understand, and we didn’t know what to say All we could tell him, was it was going to be okay Our son loved Christmas, and the entire Christmas season So we got an idea, the only one we could reason We knew that this, would be the last thing he’d remember So what if we turned June, back into December Give him one last time, give him one last Christmas Just to let him know, what a joy he had given us We’d tell him a lie, and we’d make him believe it It would be a task, but we’d have to achieve it We sat him down, and told him the news His eyes got really big, as he seemed to be confused We told him that Santa, thought June would be better So he better get started, on writing his letter Later I walked down our street, talking to every neighbor Asking each one, if they could do us a favor Just for a month, could they put up all their lights And then turn them on, for a few hours every night I even offered, to do the work myself Even if the person, wouldn’t offer me their help Yet later that night, I heard my son cry And then he told me, he didn’t want to die So I reassured him, as he laid there in my arms That God would protect him, and keep him safe from harm Then I asked him, what was the thing he wanted most As he wiped away a tear, he said he didn’t know I didn’t sleep that night, not even a wink Living without my son, was the only thought I could think The next day, I got on the phone to make a call To learn who plays Santa, every year down at the mall Since we couldn’t visit Santa, and our options were slim I knew that all I could do, was bring Santa to him That night we watched movies, while we did little crafts It was the first time in a while, I’d seen my son laugh One of the movies, talked about angels getting wings As everyone in town, cheerfully singed My son then asked me, would he get to be an angel My wife left the room, the question was too painful I told him yes, and with that I promised He then smiled, because he knew I was honest The next few days, we’re a bit tough His poor little body, had almost had enough As I arrived home, and got out of my car I saw a man down the street, putting up a tree in his yard I knew my son was weak, and wouldn’t want to go outside So I told him it was snowing, not proud that I had lied I saw him smile, as he went back to sleep Then I turned off his light, in the darkness I would weep The next night we decided, to put up our tree The three of us, my son, my wife and me We decorated it, with ornaments and tinsel I lifted up my son, as at the top he placed our angel We wrapped it in lights, his favorite color of yellow Then sat in the darkness, entranced by the glow It was strange for sure, my wife and I thought But this had more value, than any gift that could be bought Next day I called a man, who owned a Santa suit When I told him the story, not for a second did he dispute He said he’d come by, and pay my son a visit And when he knocked on our door, I playfully yelled, “Who is it?” He walked inside, as my son was sitting in my chair My son couldn’t say a word, all he could do was stare I knew he wanted to cheer, he just didn’t have the strength Yet he just smiled, with a wide ear to ear length “Ho-ho-ho”, said the jolly old man “You must be Johnny”, as he held out his hand “Yes, that’s me.”, my boy softly said Santa removed his hat, exposing the silver locks upon his head “I heard from my elf, that you wanted us to meet” Santa said, as he kneeled at my son’s feet “I wrote you a letter”, my son said nervously “Well, I’d love to read it”, Santa said with complete certainty My wife then reached out, and handed Santa the note As he read it, he seemed to get a tickle in his throat He then looked at me, but I hadn’t yet read it He had a look in his eyes, as if I might dread it Santa passed me the letter, and I got my answer I then read the words, “Santa please fix my cancer.” My son wanted nothing, except the ability to live However I knew that was a gift, even Santa couldn’t give Santa gave him a hug, and then said goodbye As he left I saw a tear, welling up in his eyes “Santa will help me, won’t he dad?” I said “I’m sure he will”, with everything I had Nothing else was said, he just looked so relieved He looked so sure, I knew it was something he believed I carried him to bed, and there quietly he laid As I prayed that his dreams, would carry him away The next night, though the air was very heavy I loaded him in his wagon, and asked if he was ready I had another surprise, one that might lift his spirit The smile on his face, said he was excited to hear it As we made our way, out onto the rocky concrete The night was lit, with the glow of lights on our street Nearly every house, had put up their Christmas decor His heart carried so much joy, I doubt it could take anymore His eyes glistened, in the twinkle of red and green It was like something, that my eyes had never seen I never walked as slow, as I did then Hoping that this moment, would somehow never end He pointed and stared, and sat there in amazement As together we traveled, down the stretch of neon pavement A few neighbors, gave us a wave from their porch As if to tell my son, he had their support Then he asked, “Dad, is this all just for me?” I tried to look confused, in a way that he could see I then asked him, “What do you mean?” He said that it was weird, that there was nobody else to be seen There were no other people, no cars lined in a row Didn’t they hear it was Christmas, why didn’t they know? I didn’t want to lie again, so I told him the truth So I told him, “Yes son, this is all just for you.” “But why?” He asked, as I stopped pulling the wagon He didn’t understand, his mind couldn’t imagine “Because”, I said, “they all wanted to.” “They heard you were sick, and it was the least that they could do” When we got home, I took my son to bed Then on his pillow, he softly laid his head He then told me, “Dad, I think I’m ready to leave” I said, “But you can’t, tomorrow’s Christmas Eve.” He just smiled, as I pulled the covers up to his chin He then closed his eyes, eyes he’d never open again It’s been thirty years, since I’ve last seen my son Though the fight was hard, it was a fight that he had won I still miss my son, and I know I’ll see him soon And every summer since, we celebrate our Christmas in June

0

Aug 9, 2024

Aug 9, 2024 at 8:36 PM UTC

S_M_Pilgrim

Christmas In June

My son was six, the day we had to hear The doctor tell us, he wouldn’t make it to the next year He didn’t understand, and we didn’t know what to say All we could tell him, was it was going to be okay Our son loved Christmas, and the entire Christmas season So we got an idea, the only one we could reason We knew that this, would be the last thing he’d remember So what if we turned June, back into December Give him one last time, give him one last Christmas Just to let him know, what a joy he had given us We’d tell him a lie, and we’d make him believe it It would be a task, but we’d have to achieve it We sat him down, and told him the news His eyes got really big, as he seemed to be confused We told him that Santa, thought June would be better So he better get started, on writing his letter Later I walked down our street, talking to every neighbor Asking each one, if they could do us a favor Just for a month, could they put up all their lights And then turn them on, for a few hours every night I even offered, to do the work myself Even if the person, wouldn’t offer me their help Yet later that night, I heard my son cry And then he told me, he didn’t want to die So I reassured him, as he laid there in my arms That God would protect him, and keep him safe from harm Then I asked him, what was the thing he wanted most As he wiped away a tear, he said he didn’t know I didn’t sleep that night, not even a wink Living without my son, was the only thought I could think The next day, I got on the phone to make a call To learn who plays Santa, every year down at the mall Since we couldn’t visit Santa, and our options were slim I knew that all I could do, was bring Santa to him That night we watched movies, while we did little crafts It was the first time in a while, I’d seen my son laugh One of the movies, talked about angels getting wings As everyone in town, cheerfully singed My son then asked me, would he get to be an angel My wife left the room, the question was too painful I told him yes, and with that I promised He then smiled, because he knew I was honest The next few days, we’re a bit tough His poor little body, had almost had enough As I arrived home, and got out of my car I saw a man down the street, putting up a tree in his yard I knew my son was weak, and wouldn’t want to go outside So I told him it was snowing, not proud that I had lied I saw him smile, as he went back to sleep Then I turned off his light, in the darkness I would weep The next night we decided, to put up our tree The three of us, my son, my wife and me We decorated it, with ornaments and tinsel I lifted up my son, as at the top he placed our angel We wrapped it in lights, his favorite color of yellow Then sat in the darkness, entranced by the glow It was strange for sure, my wife and I thought But this had more value, than any gift that could be bought Next day I called a man, who owned a Santa suit When I told him the story, not for a second did he dispute He said he’d come by, and pay my son a visit And when he knocked on our door, I playfully yelled, “Who is it?” He walked inside, as my son was sitting in my chair My son couldn’t say a word, all he could do was stare I knew he wanted to cheer, he just didn’t have the strength Yet he just smiled, with a wide ear to ear length “Ho-ho-ho”, said the jolly old man “You must be Johnny”, as he held out his hand “Yes, that’s me.”, my boy softly said Santa removed his hat, exposing the silver locks upon his head “I heard from my elf, that you wanted us to meet” Santa said, as he kneeled at my son’s feet “I wrote you a letter”, my son said nervously “Well, I’d love to read it”, Santa said with complete certainty My wife then reached out, and handed Santa the note As he read it, he seemed to get a tickle in his throat He then looked at me, but I hadn’t yet read it He had a look in his eyes, as if I might dread it Santa passed me the letter, and I got my answer I then read the words, “Santa please fix my cancer.” My son wanted nothing, except the ability to live However I knew that was a gift, even Santa couldn’t give Santa gave him a hug, and then said goodbye As he left I saw a tear, welling up in his eyes “Santa will help me, won’t he dad?” I said “I’m sure he will”, with everything I had Nothing else was said, he just looked so relieved He looked so sure, I knew it was something he believed I carried him to bed, and there quietly he laid As I prayed that his dreams, would carry him away The next night, though the air was very heavy I loaded him in his wagon, and asked if he was ready I had another surprise, one that might lift his spirit The smile on his face, said he was excited to hear it As we made our way, out onto the rocky concrete The night was lit, with the glow of lights on our street Nearly every house, had put up their Christmas decor His heart carried so much joy, I doubt it could take anymore His eyes glistened, in the twinkle of red and green It was like something, that my eyes had never seen I never walked as slow, as I did then Hoping that this moment, would somehow never end He pointed and stared, and sat there in amazement As together we traveled, down the stretch of neon pavement A few neighbors, gave us a wave from their porch As if to tell my son, he had their support Then he asked, “Dad, is this all just for me?” I tried to look confused, in a way that he could see I then asked him, “What do you mean?” He said that it was weird, that there was nobody else to be seen There were no other people, no cars lined in a row Didn’t they hear it was Christmas, why didn’t they know? I didn’t want to lie again, so I told him the truth So I told him, “Yes son, this is all just for you.” “But why?” He asked, as I stopped pulling the wagon He didn’t understand, his mind couldn’t imagine “Because”, I said, “they all wanted to.” “They heard you were sick, and it was the least that they could do” When we got home, I took my son to bed Then on his pillow, he softly laid his head He then told me, “Dad, I think I’m ready to leave” I said, “But you can’t, tomorrow’s Christmas Eve.” He just smiled, as I pulled the covers up to his chin He then closed his eyes, eyes he’d never open again It’s been thirty years, since I’ve last seen my son Though the fight was hard, it was a fight that he had won I still miss my son, and I know I’ll see him soon And every summer since, we celebrate our Christmas in June

128

Lawrence Hall [email protected] https://hellopoetry.com/lawrence-hall/ poeticdrivel.blogspot.com The Rural Electric Co-Op’s Giant Christmas Tree Christmas trees are a delight to a child On the farm, situational poverty In muck and filth, old coat against the cold Finishing the milking long hours after dark But to the east a Christmas tree, a hope The electric co-op’s radio mast Its guy wires strung with multi-colored lights The North Pole must be something like that Christmas trees are a delight to a child And even more when the child becomes a man

0

Dec 11, 2020

Dec 11, 2020 at 7:12 AM UTC

lawrence-hall

The Rural Electric Co-Op's Giant Christmas Tree

Lawrence Hall [email protected] https://hellopoetry.com/lawrence-hall/ poeticdrivel.blogspot.com The Rural Electric Co-Op’s Giant Christmas Tree Christmas trees are a delight to a child On the farm, situational poverty In muck and filth, old coat against the cold Finishing the milking long hours after dark But to the east a Christmas tree, a hope The electric co-op’s radio mast Its guy wires strung with multi-colored lights The North Pole must be something like that Christmas trees are a delight to a child And even more when the child becomes a man

15

What is Christmas but the collected dead to say one last goodbye, To speak in their fabulous, untranslatable tongues of old furniture And the lacquered shine from the lighted tree and pablum of candles, All that seems childhood’s undersong of pine and catch-full solitude of eyes. Until the feeling past Christmas of unwrapped sunset and having said goodbye.

0

Dec 24, 2019

Dec 24, 2019 at 12:07 AM UTC

ChrisSaitta

Sunset Unwrapped

What is Christmas but the collected dead to say one last goodbye, To speak in their fabulous, untranslatable tongues of old furniture And the lacquered shine from the lighted tree and pablum of candles, All that seems childhood’s undersong of pine and catch-full solitude of eyes. Until the feeling past Christmas of unwrapped sunset and having said goodbye.

5

The snow is falling Lights Shining All the colors so bright Smell of peppermint candy canes And warm hot chocolate But all I need is the warmth of family Who needs the Christmas light? Or gifts under a green tree When we have us here Together Family forever We shall remain together

0

Dec 20, 2019

Dec 20, 2019 at 10:21 PM UTC

bugs

Together

The snow is falling Lights Shining All the colors so bright Smell of peppermint candy canes And warm hot chocolate But all I need is the warmth of family Who needs the Christmas light? Or gifts under a green tree When we have us here Together Family forever We shall remain together

12

Tinsel tickles the tree As baubles glitter with glee Twinkling lights red, green and blue Give the room a colourful hue Presents crammed in a pile Each tied with ribbon gives them style How many sleeps until Santa shows? And will Christmas day have winter snows? Will we hear the Jingle of the sleigh? As Reindeer visit each house, without delay The house is filled with laughter and chatter As relatives visit to eat, drink and pull a ******* Then tummies full they fall to slumber Each proudly wearing their Christmas jumper

0

Dec 20, 2018

Dec 20, 2018 at 3:31 PM UTC

ukrose

Tinsel

Tinsel tickles the tree As baubles glitter with glee Twinkling lights red, green and blue Give the room a colourful hue Presents crammed in a pile Each tied with ribbon gives them style How many sleeps until Santa shows? And will Christmas day have winter snows? Will we hear the Jingle of the sleigh? As Reindeer visit each house, without delay The house is filled with laughter and chatter As relatives visit to eat, drink and pull a ******* Then tummies full they fall to slumber Each proudly wearing their Christmas jumper

14

A colorful, blinking lantern dangles by the eave's ceiling green, red and yellow lights hung outside the window, stilled at day time but......dazzle the eyes at night i am late... no pots of poinsettia yet, to brighten the veranda in the living room the tree top is bare, no pretty angel or a bright star to complete its attire mind is already set, decided, on what festive foods should adorn the table what gifts...to be laid under the tree ........all these occupy my mind, ........as every once in a while i think of unfinished issues, uncompleted tasks that nag me .......problems i could not resolve .......a few unfulfilled promises .......to some....and to myself some planned moments...failed my targeted time....didn't work Christmas eve is fast approaching the house...is not yet fully decked... i am standing.....and though i think of these thoughts of incompleteness, after all these years, i don't care that much anymore i just wish, it would be easy and slow when things, or people have to go i wish that love would abound, to never cease.....the fires of anger and hate, be doused and subdued.... i wish that all, including myself, find wisdom in the serenity prayer... i wish that we shift our eyes, our hearts, away from material things...from power... let us focus on Him...the true reason for this festive holiday season...... may peace reign the world over may it begin with you...and me... :::::::::: Prayer of Serenity God grant me the serenity To accept the things I cannot change; Courage to change the things I can; And wisdom to know the difference... ::::::::::::: Sally © Rosalia Rosario A. Bayan December 20, 2018

0

Dec 20, 2018

Dec 20, 2018 at 12:28 AM UTC

sally-a-bayan

Serenity

A colorful, blinking lantern dangles by the eave's ceiling green, red and yellow lights hung outside the window, stilled at day time but......dazzle the eyes at night i am late... no pots of poinsettia yet, to brighten the veranda in the living room the tree top is bare, no pretty angel or a bright star to complete its attire mind is already set, decided, on what festive foods should adorn the table what gifts...to be laid under the tree ........all these occupy my mind, ........as every once in a while i think of unfinished issues, uncompleted tasks that nag me .......problems i could not resolve .......a few unfulfilled promises .......to some....and to myself some planned moments...failed my targeted time....didn't work Christmas eve is fast approaching the house...is not yet fully decked... i am standing.....and though i think of these thoughts of incompleteness, after all these years, i don't care that much anymore i just wish, it would be easy and slow when things, or people have to go i wish that love would abound, to never cease.....the fires of anger and hate, be doused and subdued.... i wish that all, including myself, find wisdom in the serenity prayer... i wish that we shift our eyes, our hearts, away from material things...from power... let us focus on Him...the true reason for this festive holiday season...... may peace reign the world over may it begin with you...and me... :::::::::: Prayer of Serenity God grant me the serenity To accept the things I cannot change; Courage to change the things I can; And wisdom to know the difference... ::::::::::::: Sally © Rosalia Rosario A. Bayan December 20, 2018

52

Star It Is Afar The Herald That it brings Unequaled For the king of kings The son of God And foretold son of man Is now besought In a hovel, born in Bethlehem He will heal the sick And give life to the living and dead He wills to pick deaths crown From our heads coronating us in righteousness Bearing the thorns upon himself To a death on a tree, that beneath our tree we can share this gift We follow, He whom death could only borrow The broken Find healing So wise men Still seek Him To understand God's gift to man

0

Dec 19, 2014

Dec 19, 2014 at 2:27 AM UTC

nilan-gerald-handunge

God's gift to man

Star It Is Afar The Herald That it brings Unequaled For the king of kings The son of God And foretold son of man Is now besought In a hovel, born in Bethlehem He will heal the sick And give life to the living and dead He wills to pick deaths crown From our heads coronating us in righteousness Bearing the thorns upon himself To a death on a tree, that beneath our tree we can share this gift We follow, He whom death could only borrow The broken Find healing So wise men Still seek Him To understand God's gift to man

26