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Decorating with the Christmas Spirit


Dreams curled and caressed the chimney like smoke
as all the joys from the past year collected in the eaves.

The promise of snow hung heavy in the air
we all knew that tomorrow morn it would be here.
The tree was set in its stand in the living room.
The ornaments brought from the attic  to adorn
every branch after the lights were woven in an out.
We had no doubt that Santa would soon be about.

The glass balls from my mother were hung high and low.
The ones from our first year of marriage brought kisses
as we remembered that Christmas, years ago.
The tin soldier your mother gave us when our son was born
was put in the front to remind us how proud we are of him.

Then came the chains of beads some new, some old.
I can remember telling our son that they grew
with each present given in love. He laughed
asked how big would the tree be when he was
thirty years old, because all the love would make them
a hundred miles long.

I could hear the stereo
playing Christmas carols soft and low. Then we took out
the icicles, glass blown, and found the ends of branches
for them to swing on. Finally, as the sun settled down and
the room lights came on soft and dim, we were ready to light
up the tree. I let my son turn them on as we had agreed.

Bright are the reflections on all the Christmas balls, but not
as bright as my son’s smile when he told me of the great job
we had done. How proud Santa would be when he came
and saw all the wonderful colors we had hung. 

I shooed him to bed Told him to sleep well.
Tomorrow he could see what the Christmas elf
gave him for making his parents happy.

Once in bed, we quickly filled the vacancy under the tree
slipped presents for each other, we hoped the other didn’t see,
in amongst our child’s gifts. Surprises are great when love is
the reason for them to be. It is the season of blessings
remembering a year’s worth of thanks. A time to relax
let all of love’s warmth enter my heart in one big blast.

As I turn to go to bed for the night, I say a prayer
in this very special light: Lord of my fathers,
Lord of mystery and great gifts, teach us to live together
treat each other better and love like it is Christmas all year.

11:24 PM
12/11/06
Alexandria, VA

Author notes

For all my friends, anyone who reads my poems, to anyone who loves and laughs and wants a better world.

In a list

Please tell me what you think

    : , Your review:

    Comment Suggestion: What is your your first impression? Line numbers
    : no Cost: 0 free left 0 points, You have (?) (Line numbers)

Comments

1 - 99 of 125     1 2  next >  (show all)
  • Spyders Mate
    August 29
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    Brought back some wonderful childhood christmas memories for me with the family round the tree. Tin soldiers were in abundance when I was young though even if they did have lead in the paint. Christmas is a fantastic time of year when love flows everywhere but it should be like that all year round. Think this poem does the trick to remind us.


    • tomisb gold member
      August 29
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      Love should flow year around. We can be so brilliant and precise in our negatives. Perhaps we would be better served to be so excellent in the giving of positives. Make noise with our strengths instead of giving into our fears. I am glad you feel this poem helps in the right direction.
      Love, Tom B.
  • Even thoughtI am reviewing this poem on March 11th I enjoyed what I read here Tom! Your love of the Chrismtas season come through. Nice work!


    • tomisb gold member
      March 11
      Edit | Reply
      Just my attempt to paint a picture of what Christmas is to me. Glad you enjoyed it.
      Peace,
      Tom B.

  • Mad Moon silver member
    December 24, 2007

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    Tomis, this is beautifully done! Full of sentiment, it overflows with warmth, love, and tenderness. All the brilliant imagery is an added treat. One could visualize that gorgeous tree sitting there gleaming. We have no means for Christmas this year, so I thank you from my heart for the "tree" you planted deep within my soul!! Brava!! Love you, dear man. Blessings to you and yours this season, and throughout the coming year!


    • tomisb gold member
      December 24, 2007
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      The spirit of Christmas is in the sharing. Love only shows up when it is shared and as Christ said, "When two are gathered in my name, there I will be." Let love reign and may every moment following this eve be one full of the discovery of how much is there to be shared with the precious ones close to your heart. Love, Tom B.

  • Sonja silver member
    December 24, 2007

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    For a very long time I wasn't on your site and this poem was another gift to us from your pen of poetry. Thank you for your wishes. My best wishes to you too..
    ~Sonja~

    . Rewarded 4


    • tomisb gold member
      December 24, 2007
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      'tis a season to celebrate sharing. May the Light shine in your heart and all those that know you and love you share their joy with you in return.
      Merry Christmas,
      Tom B.

  • ebaby
    December 24, 2007
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    lovely

    a beautiful poem dear, Merry Christmas to you and yours.....


    • tomisb gold member
      December 24, 2007
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      In the vastness of Christmas Light may your day be full of Peace and delight. As the presents are passed to one and all may you be blessed in hearing the joy you bring to those that love and cherish you.
      Merry Christmas.
      Tom B.

  • Heavenly Angel
    December 23, 2007

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    What a truly beautiful and wonderful write this is, my friend!
    Awesome imagery and wording!
    Happy Holidays to you and yours!!!

    . Rewarded 4


    • tomisb gold member
      December 24, 2007
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      Merry Christmas. Thank you for all the gifts of love that you have touched my heart with in the past year. May you be blessed with the joy in discovering how richly you are loved and cherished by those dear to you.
      Love, Tom B.

  • ears2hearyou gold member
    December 23, 2007

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    AWWW..that was so wonderfully written

    That was lovely you captured us right from the start and
    pulled us in with the lovely imagery and your warm
    kind heart.
    YOu could really feel the warmth of your heart in this
    poem! merriest of christmas joy to you dear poet!
    ears2hearyou
    Kathleen : )) wonderful warmth to enjoy!

    • tomisb gold member
      December 24, 2007
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      Thank you. May this season of gifts catch all the love and multiply it with joyful sharing. As the Light blossoms in your heart may healing and restoration begin and seeds of love an friendship blossom as never before.
      Love, Tom B.
      Merry Christmas.

  • Soulful Woman silver member
    December 23, 2007

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    You have taken the spirit of Christmas and created a place of peace and love with your words.
    It was wonderful going down memory lane with you and feeling the love you are filled with for this time of year.
    Thank you for sharing this..I wish you and your family
    much love and blessings for the holiday season and the New Year.
    Love,
    Noreen

    . Rewarded 6


    • tomisb gold member
      December 24, 2007
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      Noreen, the gifts of the Light will shine bright in your heart. The love and gifts of those that love you will overflow and leave your eyes glistening with the laughter of tears. As your heart is washed with blessings, I know that you will be healed and stronger for the course of the coming year. Merry Christmas,
      Tom B.

  • poetryality silver member
    December 23, 2007
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    Thank You Thomas!

    These words take me on a memorabilia adventure. Your two opening lines whirl in my mind just as the smoke-filled "dreams from the chimney" you've painted with soft strokes of poetic brush.

    Your second stanza causes me to pause in reflection. The entire poem is warm, and embraces the true meaning of the Season. I didn't have much money this year to buy gilts as I wished. What I rediscovered were artifacts already in my possession with heartfelt memories attached that are worth far more than anything I could have purchased. The wonder that makes this Christmas a bit more exciting than the last is home, kinships, to sit and sup with those I love, and the fact, as your author note expresses;

    "...anyone who loves and laughs and wants a better world".

    I am one of those, as are you, and countless others we embrace daily on this site. I wish you the very best in this comp my brother/angel/friend.

    † In All that is Good, there is God. †

    Many Blessing, Love & Light to You, Thomas, Sue & Graham ♥

    Renee



    • tomisb gold member
      December 23, 2007
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      Enjoyed the in depth review. I always figured the gift part of Christmas was for the screams and dreams of glee from the children. I once did up a note from Santa for Graham and he carried around to my in laws and used it as proof that Santa exisited. Made my day.

      I cherish any and every day where we take the time to celebrate the gift we are too each other. All that really matters to me. This one has not been a feast of material gilt but it will still be a feast of riches if I can share all my love with the people who are important to me.

      Love, Tom B.

  • Asdzaa Nadleehe silver member
    December 14, 2007

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    Oh my goodness..tears..thank you for sharing...smiles...
    Im so happy, thank you so much for this amazing entry...
    Peace and many blessings
    ~A~

    • tomisb gold member
      December 14, 2007
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      This is another one that just came out of nowhere and captured so much of the season for me. Glad that it touched you. Your friend
      always, Tom B.

  • imahealer gold member
    November 30, 2007

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    Such a touching rendition of Christmas Eve. You remind us all that where there is love, "love begets love." I remember those Eve's when my children were young. Such anticipation, and althooough my husband was immune to love, The joy inmy children wasenough. Then off to Grandma's we went, to open presents, sing noels while she played the piano, and laugh. Dead now for 20 years, , and children in different cities, I'm so happy I had those fond memories you just reminded me of!
    I'm adding you to my fav's!

    Love from an old friend!
    The Healer


    • tomisb gold member
      November 30, 2007
      Edit | Reply
      Thanks. I wanted to catch how much the season is about the children. It lets our heart sing and reminds me of why I do all that I do all year long. Thanks again.

      Love, Tom B.

  • SilverButterfly gold member
    November 29, 2007

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    This is the first one I've read this year that really gets me into the spirit of Christmas!! I loved the part when the kids went to bed the and presents were placed under the tree, hoping the others didn't see!!!


    GBY
    SilverButterfly

    . Rewarded 4


    • tomisb gold member
      November 29, 2007
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      Perhaps Christmas is no more than a celebration of our altruism and faith in each other. I think it is far more than that. It reaches into our goodness as human spirits and connects us to the River of Love that God allows to flow all around us.

      Glad you enjoyed this. I am touched and honored that it moved you into the Christmas spirit.

      Love, Tom B.

  • pania gold member
    November 28, 2007

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    you captured the spirit of Christmas in this warm write that speaks volumes of the times we share in peace and love with our nearest. All the details are there, the colours, the decorations, and the love. And isn't it a shame that we can't do the same for each other, every day?

    . Rewarded 6


    • tomisb gold member
      November 28, 2007
      Edit | Reply
      I am touched that you enjoy it so. It was written to just capture the joy I find in Christmas and the hope I leave each season with.
      Love, Tom B.

  • A. L. Armocido - AM
    November 28, 2007

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    Though some of the rhyming was a bit forced... overall I found this to be a warm and touching piece! The imagery was very beautiful. I am so happy that people really seem to be getting in the Christmas spirit on this site and this was a fabulous example of that joy! Wonderful job! Keep up the good work and Merry Christmas.

    • tomisb gold member
      November 28, 2007
      Edit | Reply
      Glad you enjoyed the joy. We all have our spirits lifted by a season of love and giving.
      Love, Tom B.

  • sylve
    November 27, 2007

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    Christmas is my absolute favorite holiday ever and I believe your poem captures almost every shiny, little, red & green piece of it. Just make sure your son doesn't even catch you putting the presents out. I remember being rather confused after waking up and finding my father wearing a Santa hat in the livingroom. It just didn't make sense to me somehow. I especially love your last stanza and I will be saying the same prayer myself. Great write and I look forward to reading more of your work.

    . Rewarded 8


    • tomisb gold member
      November 27, 2007
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      He's twelve now. Christmas has lost none of its shine. He will tell you that Santa is part of the spirit of Christmas. He flip flops from being a pure sentimentalist to being very pragmatic. In his heart of hearts he is a good young man.

      Thanks for all of your kind words. May your holiday season be one that enriches your soul and lets your heart be filled with a river of joy.
      Love, Tom B.
  • mmook
    November 26, 2007
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    beautiful and well written .....awesome!!!! thanks for sharing


    • tomisb gold member
      November 26, 2007
      Edit | Reply
      Thank you. Glad you enjoyed my vision of the Christmas spirit.

      May your holiday season be filled with riches for the spirit and may joy flow through your heart.
      Love, Tom B.

  • ears2hearyou gold member
    November 26, 2007
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    Absolutely beautiful and written

    touching all the spirit of christmas placing it tenderly
    in our hearts! excellent job dear poet, there were
    stanza's in this poem that we could all take a piece from
    and really relate to and enjoy!! I hope you feature
    this all through the month to remind us the spirit of
    christmas is MORE than shopping malls!
    Thankyou, thankyou for writing such a thoughtful and
    inspiration poem!
    ears2hearyou
    Kathleen : ))

    . Rewarded 8


    • tomisb gold member
      November 26, 2007
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      This is a really kind celebration of my simple attempt to share my vision of the Christmas spirit. I will try to feature it more as I can afford. Thanks.

      May your holiday season be filled with riches for the spirit and may joy flow through your heart.
      Love, Tom B.

  • RedwingSpirit silver member
    November 26, 2007

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    Very nice piece. Much details in this piece, it was very well thought out. I cannot point anything out that is bad because it is all good

    . Rewarded 4


    • tomisb gold member
      November 26, 2007
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      Your joy in this is a gift. Thanks for taking the time to share your pleasure in my simple work. May your holiday season be filled with riches for the spirit and may joy flow through your heart.
      Love, Tom B.
  • michaeline
    November 26, 2007

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    This is really a classy piece of writing.Details were well placed.I could picture every scene and everything that they were doing.Makes me think of Christmas's gone past and how wonderful and magic that they can be.Thanks for the great poem I really enjoyed it.

    . Rewarded 6


    • tomisb gold member
      November 26, 2007
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      Thanks for enjoying this so much. I wrote this to share my sense of the Christmas Spirit. I suceeded beyond my dreams. May your holiday season be filled with riches for the spirit and may joy flow through your heart.
      Love, Tom B.

  • sassylilpoet gold member
    November 26, 2007

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    Beautifully scribed, you captured the heart of christmas, thanks for sharing some beautiful memories,
    as I wish you and yours, another Christmas filled with love, peace, joy, and most of all hope, for a wonderful year and many more to come.

    With Blessings,
    Sassy

    . Rewarded 6


    • tomisb gold member
      November 26, 2007
      Edit | Reply
      Thanks. May yours be a feast for the spirit and a river of joy flowing through your heart. It is nice to know this touched your heart.
      Love Tom B.

  • eternal-devotion
    November 26, 2007

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    This is excelent.

    This is what Christmas is about. The joy of childhood and the blessing of family and the worship of Christ. You have incorporated it all in your poem. Every word brings memories to hold and memories to renew, times gone by and times to come. Your title couldn't be more appropriate for this. This is so well written that a person can feel the spirit of the season in every line of this. I enjoyed reading this very much.

    . Rewarded 8


    • tomisb gold member
      November 26, 2007
      Edit | Reply
      Thanks, I would like to think so. I wrote this in an attempt to share my vision of the Christmas spirit. Far more important to me than the rest of Christmas to me. Glad you enjoyed. May your holiday be rich for the spirit and full of the joy of the heart.
      Love, Tom B.

  • Rainydaywoman
    December 21, 2006
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    I still have two of these left

  • Rainydaywoman
    December 21, 2006
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    Beautiful

    This poem of yours Tom, made me step back and remind myself that my kids are growing up!For how long will we be entertained with the amazing things young children say? Your imagery is impeccable. You really brought this whole scene to live. Wonderful writing, my friend. ~ Love, Me


    • tomisb gold member
      December 21, 2006
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      This is a friendship built over time

      I am so glad to know you read this, Enjoyed the effort on my part to impart a little of what I feel is the holiday heart with all my loved ones on this site. Glad to know it touched you and made your day a little better. Couldn't ask for more. God speed and God bless. Love, Tom B.

  • xVowsareSpoken
    December 18, 2006

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    Brilliant

    I love this, it's incredible! This flowed so wonderfully, and it just puts the "Merry" in "Merry Christmas". I love it, very well done for this Christmas Season.

    Merry Christmas to you!

    Take Care,
    Jasmine


    • tomisb gold member
      December 18, 2006
      Edit | Reply

      May you unwrap your dreams with joy!

      Thanks for delighting so much in my holiday poem. I just wanted a way to share with everyone my thankfulness for them being in my life. Love, Tom B.

  • AngelicMistress gold member
    December 18, 2006

    Edit | Reply
    For I am your friend, one who reads your poems, one who loves you and laughs with you and wants a better world, for you and for all.....

    May you and your loved ones have a beautiful Christmas season, and may the New Year bring you Health, Joy and Prosperity.....

    God bless you always my dear sweet Tomisb, to me you are and forever will be the truest and most precious friend.

    Thank you for YOU.....

    Love always your friend,
    AngelicMistress(tcg)
    *HUG*


  • Arkbear gold member
    December 16, 2006

    Edit | Reply

    Nicely penned Bubba ~

    This says it all tomis ~
    >>> Lord of my fathers,
    Lord of mystery and great gifts, teach us to live together
    treat each other better and love like it is Christmas all year.

    Oh how I wish this were true ~

    A wonderful message to anyone who needs to smile, yet a message for those who need to understand ~
    Good job on this write ~
    Bear ~


    • tomisb gold member
      December 16, 2006
      Edit | Reply

      Just my Christmas Gift

      Thanks for the comment and you got it through and through. It would be a better world if we could share from our similarities to celebrate our differences. Love, Tom B.

  • sherry-lee
    December 15, 2006
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    very nice..i'm warm and cozy...eggnog in hand...sitting in the glow of Christmas, thanks to you -
    touching, and heartfelt..


    • tomisb gold member
      December 15, 2006
      Edit | Reply

      I propose a toast

      As we clink our egg nog and feel the fire, I have this toast to share. "May all those who know that love is only real when it is shared celebrate this time of the year and have their hearts rewarded. Love, Tom B.

  • Shakari
    December 14, 2006

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    breathtaking

    This piece is so beautiful! Its meaning and imagery combine to grab the heart and take us back to the innocent days of childhood. Seriously, though I am still I child, I no longer hold the innocence of the younger children who hold christmas as a time of love and happiness. I don't look forward to presents and am usual cynical during the holiday, for I think that it has been blown up to only include commercialism and the real, biblical meaning isn't taken properly anymore. I loved this piece though, for you based it on love and I loved the christmas tree's growing each year based on love...but that would be a humongous tree for a thirty-year old son. Good job and keep up the great writing! May your holiday season be blessed!*santa*


    • tomisb gold member
      December 14, 2006
      Edit | Reply

      Celebrate from the heart

      I am a Quaker and we used to not celebrate it because the Catholic church changed Christ's birthday to coincide with the Saturnalia which was a major festival at mid-winter to insure the return of spring and summer. Let the good times roll.
      This was written for the joy and if it brought you joy, it need not do more. Love, Tom B.

  • Abscessed
    December 14, 2006
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    a small note though - the bright green highlighting was rather distracting


    • tomisb gold member
      December 14, 2006
      Edit | Reply

      Joy is the heart of love

      This is all that it is about. I used Christmas to spread it. Red and Green are Christmas colors. You will always be on my Christmas list no matter what you are celebrating. Love, Tom B.

  • Abscessed
    December 14, 2006

    Edit | Reply
    We dont really celebrate christmas in India - but I can definetly appreciate the festive spirit in here you captured all the warmth and beginnings of this holiday and that in itself is always a pleasure to read

    Happy holidays my Tom may your days be full of joy

  • xSallyxDollx
    December 13, 2006

    Edit | Reply
    Its the perfect way to say Merry Christmas I think. I wanted to write a poem somewhat like this but its so hard to find time to come on here anymore between school and work. I'm sorry I haven't talked to you in so long and I hope you're doing ok


    • tomisb gold member
      December 13, 2006
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      What matters

      Is that it spoke to you. May your Christmas be bright and your dreams whole. This too shall pass and you will come to be on line again. I am in no rush. Enjoy this moment in all its richness. \
      Love, Tom B.

  • Trellis
    December 13, 2006
    Edit | Reply
    I'm glad that you have such happy memories. Thanks for sharing.

    • tomisb gold member
      December 13, 2006
      Edit | Reply

      Open the last package

      Hold your heart in hands of joy and promise the year gone by a place in memories. Then take the gift of all that you are and become your promise and gather those around you who belive in you.
      Pick the flowers and smell their scents and reap the riches of the forth coming year. Love, Tom B.

  • Lostanjileyes
    December 13, 2006

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    i like this alot. It says what we all should already knowand what everyone should feel about christmas. So many times have i heard people be so greedy it makes me sick but this is a perfect way to bring everyone back in touch with what it is really all about. Thank you for sharing this with me. Merry Christmas to you and yours dear friend .


    • tomisb gold member
      December 13, 2006
      Edit | Reply

      Love shows up when sharing

      This is the best season to get in practice. We can be children and make it all about "me" but why. Instead, let us be adults and make it all about each other and a chance for a better world.
      Love, Tom B.

  • Frozentearz gold member
    December 13, 2006
    Edit | Reply
    This was a great look into your family christmas
    such memories wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New year.
    WArm thoughts
    Frozentearz

    • tomisb gold member
      December 13, 2006
      Edit | Reply

      Hot toddies and full stockings

      May the year be graceful in its entrance and enchanting as it ends.
      Love, Tom B.

  • AngelKissez059
    December 12, 2006
    Edit | Reply
    wow! you lvie close to me and this is really good!!! i lvoed it its a story with a prayer that actually rhymed!! i thought that was so cool!! i liked this alot! keep it up it was great! ~kelc

    • tomisb gold member
      December 12, 2006
      Edit | Reply

      I am glad you think so

      Spend this season spreading joy and voice the carols as you give share Christmas with boys and girls. The wind shall spin and cold will come but when it does you can have winter fun. Enjoyed your share and thoughtful coments. Love, Tom B.

  • Dalaney gold member
    December 12, 2006
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    Ho ho ho! I felt like you brought me into the house...A poem you should print out as a Christmas card and send to the ones you love and care for...
    Love, Lane

    • tomisb gold member
      December 12, 2006
      Edit | Reply

      My Hallmark moment at last

      There was a time when I would have been cut to the core but I think you have called the perfect score and yes you are right. I was thinking already of doing exactly that. Send me your address and I will put you on my Christmas list and send you a homemade card with the poem attache. Love, Tom B.
  • Yvette Champ
    December 12, 2006

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    Tom,a poignant,profound piece of poetry that flowed well and embelished and embroidered imagery and emotion that was heart-felt by the reader.The last few lines drew the piece together like a familial embrace,inviting friends,family and the human race to be thankful,give love and walk in His grace.
    I confess to feeling misty eyed upon reading,for myriad reasons,these seasonal greetings.Well done and many blessings to you and your family,love and light,Yvette


    • tomisb gold member
      December 12, 2006
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      Lovely Lady Ingenue

      My little analytical shark, you are exposing your heart. This gives me great delight. It is better than sparking in parked cars. Hope Christmas lives up to all the hype. Good night. Love, Tom B.

  • luckynsincere gold member
    December 12, 2006

    Edit | Reply
    Wonderfully done. thank you for sharing your beautiful words You are as always charming my dearest of friends. I hope that your holidays are filled with all of the splendor that you fill my days with...

    With love,
    Mel


    • tomisb gold member
      December 12, 2006
      Edit | Reply

      Share the sugar plums

      We will nestle against the over sized roots of the tree and sip sassafrass tea and comment of the misbehavior of sassy, tipsy, overjoyed fairies. Kick of our shoes and make each other giggle with the sagaciousness of our other worldly views. Tiptoe across the green and goose some gnome before we are seen. just before the storm begins we will wake up with the last traces of magical dust still on our chins. Love Tom B.

  • Flame-Raiser
    December 12, 2006
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    :)

    Surprises are great when love is the reason
    for them to be.

    How very true that is.


    • tomisb gold member
      December 12, 2006
      Edit | Reply

      Your praise is a gift from your heart.

      I am thankful for being the one that you would shower this upon.
      Thank you for taking the time to share with me. Be blessed, be joyous and infect others with the magic of your creations. Love, Tom B.

  • December 12, 2006