ABPA - Australian Bush Poets Association

A Little Piece of Christmas

A little piece of Christmas stands apart from all the rest
and needs some extra tenderness and care.
A little piece of Christmas kept for loved ones overseas
who can’t be with the family to share.

A little piece of Christmas kept aside for those who mourn
the first time that they face an empty chair.
A little piece of Christmas for when death struck through the year
to soften sadness threatening despair.

A little piece of Christmas for our servicemen and those
who work when others dine on Christmas fare.
A little piece of Christmas for the many lonely folk -
no visitor in answer to their prayer.

A little piece of Christmas for the Mum who lost her babe,
the one who’ll never laugh and never play.
A little piece of Christmas with a little extra love
to console all those who hurt this Christmas day

I enjoyed your thoughtful poem Wendy and have read it a couple of times. There are so many for whom Christmas is not a jolly time.

Heather

Great Wendy, very relevant too, we have convinced father to come here for Christmas, mum only passed a few weeks ago so I am not really looking forward to it in some ways. Dad had intended 'to stay home with Mum' rather than go anywhere for Christmas, fortunately his brother talked him into coming here.
'...for those who work when others dine on Christmas fare' is also relevant to me, Sheryl works at the aged care home, the working part doesn't worry her, in fact she quite enjoys it, the people who have no one; upsets her a bit though.

I hope your Christmas is good, a nice poem Wendy.

Thanks Heather and Ross.
These thoughts were born out of a number of events in my life this year.

Two of my friends lost their husbands suddenly and will be facing their first Christmas without them.
Another friend lost her father reminding me of the frailty of my own Dad.
Dad still misses Mum after 6 years as if her passing was recent.

My daughter has just had a baby over seas and I miss them dreadfully.

I want to keep a Little piece of Christmas aside especially for being quiet and remembering and
counting my blessings.

Right on Wendy. There are many who need a bit of Christmas saved for them, even if it's only a kind word or a hug, and it doesn't have to be only at Christmas.
Wazza

Beautifully put Wendy - my own piece of homework focuses on a loss at Christmas; there are so many out there for whom this time is so lonely and/or sad. I've just had word that a friend's father has suffered a massive stroke and is in a coma as of yesterday, so am quite sure she will never look at this season in quite the same way again. It is always so important to remember such people all around us and reach out in any way we can. Great poem!

A wonderful and thoughtful poem, Wendy.

My family, too, are unable to come together this Christmas. I think this will be the first time I am unable to see my daughter over the Christmas period.