The Yuletide Soul
A Holiday Poem
This is for Mikeydred’s November Challenge and the Holiday Reflections Challenge.
It’s not easy to release grudges, no matter how petty, and it’s hypocritical to just exhort forgiveness and reconciliation.
Not without a reminder that it’s for the self. To let go of weightedness of negativity.
This Christmas, reconcile…..with you.
*********************************************************************
One Yuletide day, through snow-caked streets I walk
Lights formed bright halos, on cold sharp stone
Pine wreaths fall where dark shadows stalk.
*********************************************************************
A spectral form stood still near my own
Its whisper thin a frosty nighttime call
With hallowed eyes that saw what all disowned
*********************************************************************“‘“It’s Yuletide, friend, let petty grudges fall
For love is all this season really asks,”
It spoke as carols chimed from buildings tall
*********************************************************************I I turned away, not prone to such a task
Then caught a gaze within a frosted pane
My mirrored face stared back at me unmasked-
Truth revealed within the sands of time. *********************************************************************
This poem follows the Terza Rima format. For those who are as yet unclear, Calvin London gives a beautiful explanation of it in his poem Is There Hope.
A Terza Rima poem typically ends in a rhyming couplet, but you may choose to end on a tercet or a single line like I’ve done here.
About the Creator
Michelle Liew Tsui-Lin
Hi, i am an English Language teacher cum freelance writer with a taste for pets, prose and poetry. When I'm not writing my heart out, I'm playing with my three dogs, Zorra, Cloudy and Snowball.
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Comments (8)
Beautiful
I love your holiday poem about forgiveness. It is truly empowering to forgive and debilitating not to do so.
I love the introspective angle of this. Well done! Thank you for introducing me to a new form. I'll have to give it a try.
Well done Michelle.
I will check out Mike's prompt. Oh no, another poetry form. Interesting. Images can surprise us. You are missing a k in your walk up top. But words to ponder.
I only hold grudges when someone crosses a line and shows no regret, but they don't rule my life. Thank you for a wonderful challenge entry
This poem is a profound exploration of self-forgiveness and the power of letting go. The juxtaposition of the external holiday cheer and the internal struggle is striking. The spectral figure serves as a powerful metaphor for the inner voice urging self-compassion. The final lines, "Truth revealed within the sands of time," are particularly impactful, suggesting that time can offer clarity and perspective. This is a beautifully written and thought-provoking piece.
I hold on to grudges for sooo long at times. I'm working on it. Loved your poem!