Cristes Maesse


Preparations

I've seen the movies
shopped the mall
baked the cookies
watched snow fall
trimmed the tree
plugged in the lights
wrapped many gifts
late into the nights
listened to music
of peace and joy
heard ads for every
gadget and toy

I've bought the food
thawed the turkey
conquered meringue
which is always quirky
I've dispatched dust
and banished dirt
scented the air
with a warm dessert
my table is set
my house is clean
its decorated
in red and green

The mood is festive
the details fulfilled
everyone coming
is sure to be thrilled
I've walked through each room
noted all I've done
with great care to forget
no thing or no one

Now I glance a last time
at the gifts piled high
beneath the bright tree
and wearily sigh

The meal is ready
everyone has arrived
we eat with gusto
we won't be deprived

Now we head for the tree
presents are passed
paper is flying
there are giggles and gasps

Stuffed toys are snuggled
a doll laughs and cries
a football is passed
a remote plane flys
earrings sparkle
a new robe is warm
electronics are everywhere
there's a cute wooden farm

Music's a big hit
with drums and guitar
I pods and CDs
will make a rock star
shirts, ties and socks
normal Dad things
gloves for the mothers
and yes, powders and creams

The paper is torn
the ribbons are broken
the bows are tossed
the boxes are opened
The pile is high
a trash bag is needed
Christmas is over
my check list completed

Goodbys are said
with kisses and hugs
and I turn from the door
to straighten the rugs
fatigue overcomes me
and I struggle to rise
when a flash of red
catches my eyes
Another package?
I think with doubt
as I stretch my arm
to pull it out

Down on all fours
I have to go
to reach the back boughs
hanging low
mostly hidden
behind the tree
I pull out a box
marked 1953
The cardboard is peeling
the corners are worn
tape has been pulled off
retaped and torn

Crumpled newspaper
from when I was just five
wrap small figurines
that had looked so alive
back in those days
when I stared in awe
at the tiny babe
lying on straw
with cows and sheep
and his Momma and Joseph
watching him sleep

I sing an old carol
and set up the scene
how could I have forgotten
what all of this means
A baby, the angels
some shepherds, the star
young Mary, good Joseph
wisemen afar

I close my eyes
I bow my head
I say a prayer
I go to bed
In my dreams
I hope to see
the truth of Christ
God's "maesse" for me


















Poetry by Phyllis J. Rhodes
Read 551 times
Written on 2010-12-20 at 06:20

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John Ashleigh
An absolutely amazing poem. You have captured the spirit of christmas, indeed. This intices me to remember those christmas mornings now forgotten. Have a happy christmas.

Regards,
John.
2010-12-21


countryfog
A beautiful and moving reminder of the reason for the season.

I make my own Christmas cards and this year I used a short poem by Grace Noll Crowell:

Whatever else be lost among the years,
Let us keep Christmas still a shining thing:
Whatever doubts assail us, or what fears,
Let us hold close one day, remembering
Its poignant meaning for the hearts of men.
Let us get back our childlike faith again.

Yours would be perfect for next year . . . every year.
2010-12-20



Wow! Speechless to the gill as I reflect on how my family got together with friends and sweethearts. My dear grandmother was the pillar of my family. Only a true soul of a woman could write such a heartfelt composition on a special time as Christmas. I am deeply touched as I was reminded what Christmas day is really about. Family and love all around the world. God bless you Phyllis and my He keep you always.
One lovely write!
2010-12-20