My husband passed on, all my children now grown,
dear brother and fam'ly this year, out of town;
so achingly hollow each footstep's lone sound,
adrift in my loneliness, paddling around.
Not how I was raised, to self-baste in my grief,
while I've still got two hands, I can offer relief!
Sweet anchor of service, a mooring to heart!
I dry up my face, for the soup kitchen start.
Warm ovens, warm people, I'm working at last
fixing pies and potatoes for Christmas repast.
Door opens, "Do come now, and yes! Every one!
The service will start, you'll attend 'til its done!"
"Come stand on these benches, today you're the choir -
your worship through music will lift and inspire!"
The sermon was given, with pauses to sing,
our guests joining in, 'twas a mem'rable scene!
Then back to the kitchen, serve dishes piled high,
one customer, grizzled and rheumy of eye,
gave a voiceless appeal as I served him a plate,
"Don't judge who I am by today's fallen state!"
Responding with eyes filling, softest of nod
"In your seat I'd be sitting, but for grace of God!"
Author notes
Happened to my Grandma, then a middle-aged widow; her first Christmas without family "to do for"
A contest entry
- Christmas from New Perspectives by micol.
800 points, ended December 10, 2007, 8 entries
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - Winklings Christmas Poems based on the Past ~ for Allpoetry by Lyndon.
1500 points, ended January 10, 2008, 8 entries
Honorable mention
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Please tell me what you think
Comments
1 - 14 of 14
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Oh I did so enjoy reading this, and I can relate to it
especially the first verse, I also liked
and rheumy of eye" a lilt in the sadness.
Peace
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Thank you, ronnica, for reading and commenting!
Peace!
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Loneliness at Christmas
is not for the proactive as your Grandmother gave of herself to bring happiness to herself via giving her labors to others in the Christmas spirit. All poems gave variety and yours is no exception.
Fine quatrains and final couplet. Thank you. Ron.
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Thank you, Ron, for reading and commenting. Proactive is the way to go, and an excellent cure for much of what ails us!
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Yes so sadly this happens to many people as their family's drift away. But what a wonderful lady your Grandma is for going out and helping those less fortunate. I am sure it brought great pride and saatisfaction to her to be able to help others at this time.
Just what Christmas is all about.
All the best with this
Gaylene;f -
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Thank you, Gaylene, for reading and commenting. Christmas IS all about loving and serving!
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A poem to admire, truly...
Yes, we are fortunate and should let Christmastime be a beacon to those who need lifting up.
You can be very proud of this poem, fine poet. 
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Thank you, Melodies, for reading and commenting! My grandmother was a wonderful role model!
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There is a good lesson here as to what you can do to relieve the Holiday Blues. Well written, CLEAR (that's nice).
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Thank you, Ellis, for taking the time to read and comment. I am pleased you found it to be clear!
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Nicely conceived transition from focus on self to selflessness. You handled line and stanza well, with a strong sense of rhythm and movement that worked particularly effectively in the piece. Thanks for entering. And best for the season.
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Thank you, micol, for reading and for your comment. I appreciate the push to get this one down. Best wishes for the season!
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Service is a real antidote for self-pity, it takes us out of our problems and lets us see and help others who have worse ones. Your older gentleman in the last quatrain reminded me forcibly of my father, who is now totally dependent, when he was so vital for most of his life.
This poem touches so many painful topics with a healing glance, I got tears. Your couplets are very nice, well done.
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Thank you, MargaretG, for taking the time to read and comment. I appreciate your thoughts. Yes, service is a mighty medicine!
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