I live in the underground, concealing my paganity.
Although I'm a Christian, I've committed profanity.
Perhaps most dear to my heart is Samhain.
The Hallowed E'en. Many think it profane.
A bonfire I wanted to build to burn,
but the application the city would spurn.
To burn outside at night is forbidden,
our ancient traditions tossed out on the midden.
As my people long ago were exiled,
we own no land, and live in the wild.
So I've found no land on which to build a fire,
so I my faith must put out to hire,
as a Christian or citizen I hide
while we our time we abide.
Others think our holiday glorifies Satan,
but this is false, so we are waitin''.
We live as in the catacombs
We gaze on sun glint at the domes
of the others' temples, we share their faith,
to abandon all worship I would be laith.
So for now, we do the trick or treat,
Although of the candy lil do I eat.
Author notes
The poem which I reviewed is "Ten things that I hate about Holidays," by miss apples. Ten things comes clean to the reader with a simplicity and a starkness that belies the connotation that the late night talk show tv host has given the phrase, "Ten things that..."
While the problems are familiar, the odious occurences are spelt out in such a way that the expression is fresh. I nod in agreement, then bookmark this to share with my family... at Christmas.
Written November 2nd, 2005
A contest entry
- Holidays? Yuck! [Contest] by Pookiebubu.
300 points, ended December 26, 2005, 7 entries
Bronze trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - Diaspora by SamiJ.
450 points, ended July 23, 2007, 8 entries
Bronze trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
What did you think
Comments
1 - 5 of 5
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"As my people long ago were exiled,
we own no land, and live in the wild."
This line is something a lot of s can relate to. From Imperialism to religious reform to arrogance of a majority. It is something that truly transcends. Thank you for your contribution -
Again, I like that you've written about something different than the rest. The fact that it's a holiday that is not appreciated resonates with me. In my opinion, too much emphasis is put on holidays such as Christmas, which I think is undeserved. What many don't realize is that not everyone celebrates these 'popular' holidays. Anyway, thank you for your entry, and good luck in the contest!
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I've read two poems now on Samhain, and I am intrigued. Is this similar to "day of the dead" celebrated in some other faiths? I'm going to have to research this and find out. Thank you for entering my contest. I will add more comments near the closing of the contest.
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rad
hailsa nice write there man
its good to see people still holding onto the ways of the ancients i dont like the way it is ignored and generalised by people who dont know or dont want to know
i liked it a lot well done -
I really liked the couplet form that you used and you pulled it off very well. I actually consider myself a pagan, but I havent had a lot of gruff from Christians so I am lucky.
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