October Christmas Spirit
Smoke wafts from the chimney across the way.
We’re separated by a sea of snow and yet
these neighbors feel closer than before
as we share this muffled, silent morning.
Is their kitchen full of whispers too?
Whispers of laughter and a giggling tea kettle?
Do their slippered feet kiss the floor with sleepy steps?
Do they feel the promise of Christmas to come?
I dream of slow nights by firelight
Carols of praise rising
Shared meals and delivered cookies,
Warming bellies and souls
Gifts that show I care
The wonder and the fun
But it’s only October second
Melting snow will reveal crunchy brown grass
And the community feeling will drift away
As slowly as the leaves fall down.
But what if we kept the spirit?
What if we share soups, open our homes, and
take time to sit and talk with the lonely?
What if we didn’t wait for Christmas to speak
and show God’s love?
What if we donned Halloween costumes for our souls?
Mother Theresa, The Good Samaritan, Jesus Himself?
What if those costumes became our heart’s reality?
And like snow cloaks the ground
our love cloaks our neighbors,
drawing us together in a magic
that lasts all year long.

How did Day Two of the challenge go for you?
I’d love to see the efforts of your poem in the comments below! I understand that these are first drafts and I hope you offer my humble words the same grace! Remember, Keep Showing Up!
Wow…I wish I could have read this sooner. I was busy doing something, now what was that??? Okay, scary, but I’ll post for all to see today:
Wedding day much anticipated
Baby girls bring so much life and joy
Busyness creeps in stealing our time
They’ve suddenly grown without notice
They’re leaving, is it really that time?
Our home feels empty though two remain
A new start with different goals now
Family grows in number and love
More precious memories being made
Thirty plus years that have flown right by
Seeing what matters for the first time
LikeLike
I’m so glad you shared this poem! Thank you 🙂 I loved it! I’m so happy to be spending time with you and doing things that matter 😀
LikeLike
Shelby, this is such a beautiful poem and a wonderful reminder. I particularly loved these parts:
“But what if we kept the spirit?
What if we share soups, open our homes, and
take time to sit and talk with the lonely?
What if we didn’t wait for Christmas to speak
and show God’s love?
What if we donned Halloween costumes for our souls?
Mother Theresa, The Good Samaritan, Jesus Himself?
What if those costumes became our heart’s reality?”
Such a great question! And yes, let us step outside of our comfort zones and show God’s love. Awesome poem ❤ I loved it. Thank you for sharing! Off to read your Day 3 poem XO
LikeLike
Thank you so much 🙂 I’m so glad you liked it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s amazing 🙂 It’s a joy to read your poems – I look forward to them! I’m so happy you kicked off this challenge.
LikeLike