‘Christmastime’ and Other Poetry by Jennifer Bravo The Society November 25, 2016 Beauty, Culture, Poetry 2 Comments Christmastime Lush green tree, wet pine scent fills the air. Strings of tiny gems, that plump tree, strangle, Children’s handmade trimmings everywhere, Red and green and bells that jingle-jangle. Atop the tree a glowing angel prays. At bottom, gifts abundant, overflowing Spread outward from the base in grand display; Yards of ribbon strewn around, for bowing. This festive season graces us again, Wonderful traditions held quite dear, With man considerate of fellow man, The world rejoices in fraternal cheer. For just one wish I’d offer my last dime – To have all year as grand as Christmastime! Lady Death The Devil’s thorny mistress, Lady Death Seeks out to finish off his mangy prey At slightest nod from him she rips last breath And feasts on hearts of men as eyes turn grey Dear Devil hinder not this day, my last Tell Death have pity on such fools as I Steal my life if you wish, but don’t be crass Don’t add torment; tis pain enough to die Alas that I had centuries to live Would heal the one I hurt, yet love so dear To erase my leaving her, my life I’d give Death’s burning wrath no rival for love’s tears Regret and guilt – Two demons I know well What fear have I of Death if life is hell? Featured Image: “Christmas Trio” by Norman Rockwell. NOTE TO READERS: If you enjoyed this poem or other content, please consider making a donation to the Society of Classical Poets. The Society of Classical Poets does not endorse any views expressed in individual poems or commentary. 2 Responses Ruth Asch November 26, 2016 An interesting pairing, these two sonnets – so very different in subject. (I assume they are sonnets – metre is taken a little flexibly in the first). There is something in the neat turn of this form that tends to glint of sprightliness… but essentially the tone of the first poem is one of gentle indulgence, the second rather fierce and scarce. Most people could, I imagine, wholeheartedly agree with the sentiment of the Christmas poem. That on Death, I hope, would fine fewer who empathize, but abundant sympathy. Where they chime, is in the message that, ultimately, love is the most precious thing we have, and true happiness can be found only in its generous expression. Reply Dona Fox December 26, 2016 I can accept the pairing of these two sonnets — winter is the end of the cycle of life so there is a dark underbelly to the celebration of the holidays up to the New Year. The Christmastime poem does see the tree being strangled, everything scattered about in disarray, and people perhaps pretending for one day to be what they aren’t, so maybe the poet doesn’t have such an optimistic outlook in the first poem, either. The second sonnet flows like warm clove oil leading me to believe the poet’s heart may lie more in this direction. I do like both of the sonnets though I’m not sure which one leaves me more disturbed. But, in my opinion, both well done. Reply Leave a Reply Cancel ReplyYour email address will not be published.CommentName* Email* Website Δ This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
Ruth Asch November 26, 2016 An interesting pairing, these two sonnets – so very different in subject. (I assume they are sonnets – metre is taken a little flexibly in the first). There is something in the neat turn of this form that tends to glint of sprightliness… but essentially the tone of the first poem is one of gentle indulgence, the second rather fierce and scarce. Most people could, I imagine, wholeheartedly agree with the sentiment of the Christmas poem. That on Death, I hope, would fine fewer who empathize, but abundant sympathy. Where they chime, is in the message that, ultimately, love is the most precious thing we have, and true happiness can be found only in its generous expression. Reply
Dona Fox December 26, 2016 I can accept the pairing of these two sonnets — winter is the end of the cycle of life so there is a dark underbelly to the celebration of the holidays up to the New Year. The Christmastime poem does see the tree being strangled, everything scattered about in disarray, and people perhaps pretending for one day to be what they aren’t, so maybe the poet doesn’t have such an optimistic outlook in the first poem, either. The second sonnet flows like warm clove oil leading me to believe the poet’s heart may lie more in this direction. I do like both of the sonnets though I’m not sure which one leaves me more disturbed. But, in my opinion, both well done. Reply
