it isn’t all tinsel
tiny lights all twinkling
candles on the mantel
scent of cookies in the air
sometimes…
it’s different
daddy rolled his chair up to the window
gazing out into a snowy night
no cheery carolers on the porch
no tree adorning the corner
two little girls in pajamas
not a single gift in sight
as mom opened an empty pantry
hoping dinner might be found in scraps
a mother skimping on her needs
scraping every penny
wrapping simple presents
made with loving hands
nothing from popular brands
brown paper with purple ribbon
small tree with little lights
it wasn’t much…but she tried
pretty paper and shiny bows
children making angels in the snow
silver bells jingling…
excitement tingling…
the stuff of holiday daydreams
not always what they seem
a family shattered
as father faded on Christmas Eve
taking joy from the table
leaving them to grieve
going through the motions
overcome with emotions
and the season became a reminder
of the loss of that precious life
sometimes it’s a trigger
taking one back to darker days
shadows no candle can illuminate
hiding from painful memories
little girls who cowered…
because holidays…
always brought out the worst in others
it’s being alone when it should be together
because there’s…nobody left
I’ve been that little girl
I’ve been that mother
felt the heavy weight of losing another
it is a holiday…
but sometimes…
it isn’t always festive
This is a hard hitting one because I do relate to this piece.i enjoy your work
Thank you, Fia 🎄☃️
Oh! it makes me think back to simpler times when things weren’t all amuck.
There’s a truth!
Powerfully penned, Willow. Excellent lyrics my friend. Really dig the musical accompaniment. I heard gospel and r&b elements maybe a touch of Motown. Nicely done. Appreciate you.
Damian
A lot of the bones for this was Southern Rock. I always enjoy how you feel out all the textures. It’s like a treasure hunt, finding all the pieces that make it a cohesive whole. I rolled into nostalgia and came out with this one, my friend
Not everything comes shiny and new for Christmas but its the effort that counts
Unfortunately, when tragedy happens it doesn’t care what day it is.
I hope you and your family had a great Christmas Day:). Always focus on the positive here and now chica:)
They carry us through the hard times.
Merry Christmas 🎄
I’m not chasing shadows. But I feel strongly about honoring the roots, where I came from and what molded me into who I am today. Those experiences taught me to pay it forward, appreciate what we have and keep the fire lit in the heart. Thank you, Adelphina
Dear W,
Beautiful, heart felt, heartache, touchingly gorgeous I could go on. Every word so poignant and meaningful you’ve painted a word picture that has touched me beyond measure. Beautiful write. H🌷
I live a dual awareness, I think. Because I’m so familiar with the shadows, I’m aware that others might be struggling even while I’m thriving. I was there once. And could be again one day. I honor those memories and those souls as best I can. My experiences helped me raise a daughter more aware and giving than she might have been in other circumstances. We believe strongly in giving back and paying it forward. Thank you, Honoria…it’s good to see you roaming the halls
This poem honors the truth many people carry through the holidays—the quiet grief, the missing chairs, the love that survives scarcity. It’s honest without bitterness, and that makes it powerful.
Good times may dawn, but I never forget where I came from and where others might still be. It’s not about wallowing in the memories, it’s about honoring them and making space for them by the hearth. Thank you so much, Thomas