Christmas, conifers and beads
I lug in through staircase, a potted coniferous fir tree,
Bought from a devoted gardener of nearby nursery
He said, madam, there aren't any particularly healthy;
Never mind, I said genially, overcome with sympathy.
It’s not used to plains, I know, thrives up in the hills
Why at that moment I thought of Charlie Brown TV series!
Keep it in a prime place in my southwest living room.
And can’t help but wonder how a seed from a dry cone
Has grown into baby tree, and is all of three years old!
Isn’t it miracle- symbol of mystery of the infinite cosmos!
Excited like a child, I put on a CD of Christmas carols
And sing along as I take out the gifts and decorations.
Of all the trees I find conifer most elegant and sombre,
Just right for the spirit and season - a great metaphor!
Up in the mountain with baby cones nestling in pine needles
Swaying to chilly breeze, old ripe ones lying under the tree
So many memories it stirs of trips to the time less mountains
We would pick the cones make way through uneven forest trails.
How we looked forward every year to our winter escapades!
Pristine splendour of Deodars and pines, outstretched hands!
And rest a while on bed of dry needles, bit slippery when dry.
Wish could be up in hills, with shepherds in long phirans, nearby
Snowflakes falling on my hair in the prayerful silence of the night!
Somehow that’s where I want to be as I switch on the lights.
Reminscing, I put up the decorations, garlands, tinsels, candy canes
Place a star at the top of the tree, and gifts for all I picked on sale.
A book of prayers, a rosary and petals afloat in an earthen pot
On my knees I count my beads, close my eyes and pray to the Lord.
Please let everyone vow to help bring a smile, cheer to at least one,
Who is lonely, cold, hungry, forlorn, and woebegone this Christmas!
Phiran is a long one piece woollen garment worn in winter by people of Kashmir
All the best & a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year!
A lovely Christmas write Mamta...here's wishing you a Merry Christmas and a super New Year too
A lovely poem Mamta, full of happy anticipation and great hopes for Christmas everywhere, for everyone. Merry Christmas! :) kath xxx
Merry Christmas, Happy New Year. Great poem