Christmas is a Time

 

Christmas is a time

Christmas is a time

When everyone in the family came together

To make Christmas sweets and wine.

Christmas is a time.

Christmas is a time

Christmas is a time

When cribs were made by hand

With pebbles, leaves, and grass from the land.

Christmas is a time.

Christmas is a time

Christmas is a time

When we went to the tailor to order our Christmas dresses

And thought about how we wanted to style our tresses.

Christmas is a time.

 

Christmas is a time 

Christmas is a time

When we had our address book close by our side

To hand-write and mail Christmas cards to kith and kin far and wide.

Christmas is a time.

 

Christmas is a time

Christmas is a time

When we cut up fruit to put into our Christmas cake

Then added a dash of rum before we put it into the bake.

Christmas is a time.

 

Christmas is a time

Christmas is a time

When we made the house festive with buntings, tree, and lights

And of course there was always the one star that shone bright.

Christmas is a time.

Christmas is a time

Christmas is a time

When going to midnight mass was something not to be missed

And then leaving church after mass and making sure every cheek was kissed.

Christmas is a time.

These memories of childhood Christmases bring cheer and yearning to me

For the simpler Christmases of my past that I had with family.

Merry Christmas to one and all

May you create Christmas memories you have the pleasure to recall.

Christmas is a time.

Dear Reader...this poem was written for the NCMA (Northern California Mangalorean Association) Christmas Zoom party which was held yesterday evening. Sharon Aranha got me to write it and also recited it at the event.  I enjoyed writing this poem and listening to Sharon recite it.  A first time for me to have anyone recite one of my poems :)

Someone You Can Talk To

 

Someone you can talk to

That's who I want to be

Someone who doesn't interrupt

And listens attentively.

 

Someone who hears others out

Casting judgment aside

Someone with whom personal truths are safe

Someone to whom no one has to lie.

 

Someone who no one is afraid of

When there are delicate or uncomfortable truths to share

Someone who won't laugh, jeer, or judge

If anyone lays their soul and mistakes bare.

 

We should all try to become that person

Who makes becoming a better listener their aim

Thought it's not easy, we should strive to listen with patience and undivided attention

And do so, without judgment, condemnation, or blame.

 

To hear someone and to understand them

Is a powerful way to bring meaning

To any conversation that goes beyond surface talk

And allows others to express their true feelings.

 

To listen to someone in a heartfelt way

Is a way to cherish and connect

It doesn't take more than an expansive heart

And a willingness to show attention, caring, and respect.

 

So let's become listeners, you and I

So we can be a port in any storm

And when the waves come crashing down on anyone

Our listening skills can be counted on.