Christmas at Fox & Quill
By Susan Haley
Over centuries, countless words have been poured onto page to herald the season of Christmas. They’ve fallen into song lyrics and hymns, classic Dickens and Frost, and even memorable film scripts. They’ve taken on hues of white, green, glistening and blue, and tones of holy, humble and humorous.
The season, wearing various titles, has been embraced by all theologies and philosophies and been explored from the night before, the morning after, and the twelve days of. Traditions and symbols abound from decorated trees, reindeers and sleighs, angels and elves, and a jolly old man in a red suit. Yet, one common thread woven through all is the spirit of love, joy, celebration and giving.
To come up with words fresh and new for the Fox and Quill Christmas edition is quite a challenge; even for one who’s been scribbling poetical ramblings for sixty years. In the attempt, my mind wandered back to a more simple time. A time before we became so wrapped up in the more commercial glitter that has stolen a level of joy from the season. That will be even more prevalent this year as many families struggle with financial difficulties and personal tragedy.
Perhaps, this could be a season of a rebirth. A rebirth of the values and beliefs we held as children before the advent of marketable tinsel and glitz and electronic powered entertainment. A more simple time of chestnuts roasting in an open fire and ringing sleigh bells.
In that vein, I scribble a Christmas poem to all:
“A Different Kind of Christmas”
The calendar is turning
It’s near the end of year.
A different kind of Christmas
Is about to be, I fear.
My list of gifts is growing
And money’s hard to find.
A different kind of Christmas
Is forming in my mind.
Oh, lights will still twinkle,
Snowflakes will still fall
A different kind of Christmas
Won’t change that at all.
Carols will still ring out,
And sleigh bells will still ring.
A different kind of Christmas
Will be in the gifts I bring.
My gifts won’t cost money,
New traditions I can start.
A different kind of Christmas
Will come from my heart.
I’ll give love and understanding,
Share a shoulder and a song.
A different kind of Christmas
To last the whole year long.
Click on this: next column
I’ll stand up for your honor,
Lend a helping hand
Hope a different kind of Christmas
Will spread across the land.
I’ll offer my forgiveness
Toss resentments all away.
Wish for yours to be returned
For the times I’ve strayed.
I’ll take the time to thank you
As we gather by the tree
For your part in our family
And all you’ve done for me.
Isn’t that what Christmas means?
Aren’t all its treasures free?
I think my different kind of Christmas
Is what was meant to be.
Susan Haley ~ 2008
Thank you to the Wolf man for providing writers a stage!
~ Comments from the editor ~
As I read Susan's words, I am humbled by her innate talent to capture her ideas and values in these simple words. I am more than honored that such a person finds value in the ethereal pages of this electronic media. Not a single tree was downed to create the pages before you, but all the same, a message from the heart can be conveyed unyieldingly. What is lost is the personal touch that inked strokes from the heart to hand provide. If we could only see the strength behind these words in the lines of her pen.
Let me say there has never been a more faithful servant and supporter of what we are doing with the charter of the Fox&Quill, and it's all about sharing, which matches the sentiment of the season and the person whose words you read here. I know Susan typed out this poem in the dead of night after an exhausting trip - how did she do it? She's a trooper. Thanks Susan and happy Holidays.
J. Wolf - F&Q Kennel Cleaner
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Susan's book: "Rainy Day People" is just one of her talents. Her web site is full of poems that focus on the natural world and man's impact on it. (www.sucarha.com) |
Susan
Haley
Thanks Susan for the poem... John Wolf
