What do they mean, really -
These moments?
Stockings full of sweet, thoughtful things;
Cinnamon candles that smell like wistfulness,
and tunes on the piano that sound like kindness;
Late nights at a fireplace
with those who share your time and story;
What do they mean, really -
These moments?
In an existence most often spent drifting through
fragments, trappings, and glimpses through the veil -
Like a rare second watching a crystal float,
frostily tinge a pinprick of a misty window pane,
then silently rivulet down the translucent landscape -
before getting back to the gray, monotonous grind of it all -
Yes, in an existence made up mostly of that -
These moments
are when we most consciously look backwards,
and forwards,
and presentwards.
These moments that are looked forward to, shared, and revisited -
they are the trunk of the tree
(which is our life)
whose roots, now buried, are made of time long past -
and whose branches stretch upwards, forwards, out of foresight,
into a thousand possibilities.
The past, here, is cherished fondly, with nostalgia
as warm and bittersweet as dark cocoa
The future, here, though uncertain, offers hope
of finding a few more times at least
some familiar songs, smells, and spaces;
and the present - dear reader, forgive the silliness -
the present is just that: a gift.
Warm, returning rhythms -
That is, at least in part,
what these holiday moments might mean.
With the redolence of something sweet
the sound of elderly laugher, and the sparkle of lights -
We are reminded once again
that it is a gift to live in time.
About the Creator
Gabriel Huizenga
Twas for love of words that I first joined this site:
Poetry, especially, and dear short stories too;
For to live one's best is to read, and to write!
So find me in words here, and I'll find you π
Thanks for stopping by! :)
Keep reading
More stories from Gabriel Huizenga and writers in Poets and other communities.
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By Paul Stewart7 days ago in Chapters
Comments (33)
Iβm here half way from last Christmas and half way to the next one. Quite interesting timing to read this poem that is brilliant. π·
Beautiful poem, Nicely Done!!
Very lovely indeed. Beautifully captured and poignantly penned. Congrats my dear, well deserved.
This was very nicely done! Congrats! You really captured the essence of the holiday season!
beautifully written -- you have captured so much of the wonder of the season.
Congratulations on your Win! π₯
Very nice! Congratulations π
This is stunning work, Gabriel. Its everything a poem might be: gossamer as a moment, beautiful as a lullaby, deep as a bottomless well. You are truly an astonishing poet! Congratulations for a well-deserved top prize!
Absolutely beautiful β¨
Congrats on the win!
Beautifully written. Congratulations on the win, Gabriel!
Congratulations, Gabriel!! So satisfying to see the piece I felt was a winner at the Top of the podium where it belongs!! Merry Christmas, friend!
Beautifully executed. I look forward to reading more from you!
It waxes almost philosophical in its execution, takes the view outside the emotions and busyness and looks in writing eloquently what is seen. Such unique perspective Gabriel! Congratulations on your win!
Congratulations on the win!!!
Congratulations on the win!!! π₯³π₯³π₯³π₯³π₯³
Wooohooooo congratulations on your win! ππππππ
You capture the atmosphere with precision and nostalgia, the quintessence of this challenge's prompt. Congratulations, Gabriel!
Fabulous poemβ¦ so beautiful and deepπ€©β¦ well deserved win!β
Congratulations on First Place Win - Well Deserved!!!
Congrats Gabriel. Well deserved win. π
Congratulations, Gabriel!
I thought I had commented on this. I know I read it ageeeeeeeeeeees ago and clicked like. So, I can say I am so bloody pleased for you, pal! Such a well deserved win, Congrats, Gabriel!
An absolute winner , Congratulations
Coming back to say a BIG congratulations on a much deserved and well-earned win for first place! I absolutely adore this poem. Congratulations again, Gabriel!