Many this Christmas will not celebrate as they roam the streets with no place to call their own and no families to celebrate with.

 

Image via Wikipedia

*

The lights of the Christmas tree gleam brightly

Through the frost covered window of the warmly lit room.

Sounds of laughter penetrate the dark and chilly night

As children dance happily, watching presents being wrapped

And placed before a a beautifully decorated tree.

A nearby table bears the tempting results of an afternoon’s bake.

Mince pies, biscuits and a large fruit cake,

Fill the air with such enticing aromas.

The joy and excitement of the coming festivities so apparent.

Image via Wikipedia

*

A man stands in the street staring longingly at the sight within.

Remembering Christmases, happy, but long gone.

His thin, ragged coat does little to alleviate the penetrating cold

As he moves on dejectedly,

Looking for a sheltered doorway to lay his weary head.

As he sits huddled up against the icy wind

His empty stomach rumbles with no hope of warm food tonight,

And placing his head on his knees he tries to sleep,

Dreaming of a room that he can call his own

And some of the dignity he has lost.

*

A light tap on his shoulder drags him from his slumber.

Looking up he sees the eyes of a child gazing at him.

A tiny hand reaches out to take his.

Stumbling to his feet he follows the child back to the window,

Where the room, now quiet, is dimly lit  by the flickering embers of a dying fire.

She leads him through the door into the welcoming warmth.

Handing him a bowl of steaming soup he drinks hungrily,

Then lies on the sofa and closes his eyes, feeling at peace for a moment.

How little it takes for us to help one person in so much need

And make him feel life is worth living once again.

*

Christine Ramsay 17.12.11

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Comments (39)
  • Suni51 on Dec 17, 2011

    So Different, I am surprised. But I know you will do some thing for them. Have a nice time.

  • petercurtis97 on Dec 17, 2011

    A very lovely poem that speaks volumes,at Christmas
    yes we all care and hope to help those less fortunate than
    ourselves something warm for them and a helping hand.

  • girishpuri on Dec 17, 2011

    nice share

  • FX777222999 on Dec 17, 2011

    Touching, sad, and felt the lines through my bones!

  • pattiann on Dec 17, 2011

    An EXCELLENT poem. Your Best ever. The boy did such a nice thing. It renews my faith in humanity.

  • Profit Buzz on Dec 17, 2011

    Guess we should share some xmas cheer.

  • Val Mills on Dec 17, 2011

    You brought tears to my eyes with this one Christine. Beautifully written.

  • indipets on Dec 17, 2011

    No one has time to even show this much of kindness. Shame on us.

  • gaby7 on Dec 17, 2011

    There are many lonely people in this situation every christmas day! A great poem here Teacher!

  • fragile18 on Dec 17, 2011

    :(

    Great poem.

  • CHAN LEE PENG on Dec 17, 2011

    Merry christmas! Great poem, Christine!

  • J M Lennox on Dec 17, 2011

    Heartfelt and beautifully crafted. This is the Christmas message that I was hoping to see. I knew it would come from your very talented pen.

  • vijayanths on Dec 17, 2011

    excellent poem as usual.

  • lovinglyoursjuny on Dec 17, 2011

    So touchy- I can feel every word/s :)

  • LadyElena on Dec 17, 2011

    Very touching poem. Made me shiver. May God use us all as a point of connection to these people. Some of us have been there and know what it feels like….
    Bless you.

  • Starpisces on Dec 17, 2011

    a kind of sad feeling as I read this poem, reminds me of the “Streets of London”.
    Very well written as usual.

  • erwinkennythomas on Dec 17, 2011

    Heartfelt and warm! Speaks volumes during this season of goodwill. Well composed with much moving imagery.

  • T. S. GARP on Dec 17, 2011

    Very compelling. As much joy and happiness we put into Christmas celebration there are still so many lonely people in the world who are left out and forgotten during this holiday season. Eloquently written!

  • LoveDoctor on Dec 17, 2011

    Lovely picture you paint in this poem. Merry Christmas Christine.

  • ittech on Dec 17, 2011

    Good information.

    good share informative

  • PR Mace on Dec 18, 2011

    So sadly beautiful. You have reached inside me and touched my heart tonight. We need to remember those who have nothing and how much sometimes just a little can mean.

  • Lady Sunshine on Dec 18, 2011

    How sad and true. Many don’t have much, and not just during the holidays. People who are blessed shouldn’t forget. Humility is so rare. Certain comments here don’t make any sense.

  • Yvhes P. on Dec 18, 2011

    reality really bites but we can certainly make a difference by sharing.

  • MJRapp on Dec 18, 2011

    Very sad, but what can we do? It’s not just Christmas when this is a problem, but it tends to be when we think of it. Nobody should be homeless any time of year.

    Nice poem, and very touching.

  • Melody SJAL on Dec 18, 2011

    This is so touching, Christine.

  • yes me on Dec 18, 2011

    A nice read for the season Christine, liked this one… so different from your usual stuff, cheers

  • CA Johnson on Dec 18, 2011

    This is a really good poem. It does make you think about people who are less fortunate than you during the holidays. Thanks for sharing.

  • LCM Linda on Dec 18, 2011

    An inspiring poem. It’s good to offer some warmth to those helpless people. Hope more people are willing to make this kind offer.

  • pruelpo on Dec 19, 2011

    It touches me. I liked your thought.

  • Christine Ramsay on Dec 19, 2011

    Thank you so much for your touching comments. I am so glad we share the same thoughts.

  • ittech on Dec 19, 2011

    A pretty good and informative article.

    Very well presented.

  • T. S. Lewis on Dec 19, 2011

    Great write. I plan on volunteering in my community this holiday season. There comes a time in our lives when we realize that we need to get involved, do more than lip service and truly begin to give back because in the end helping each other is all that matters.

  • SharifaMcFarlane on Dec 19, 2011

    Some people are in this position because others have acted irresponsibly.

  • Erin Miller on Dec 20, 2011

    Merry Christmas! That is such a sad and sweet poem at the same time.

  • ittech on Dec 20, 2011

    Thanks for the very informative article

    Very good sharing. I like it.

  • vaughanh on Dec 21, 2011

    Any time of year is sad for being alone but Christmas is extra sad when the focus is so much on family. A well written poem portraying vividly how some people must feel.

  • Ruby Hawk on Dec 21, 2011

    Christine, it’s so sad to know people are on the streets cold and hungry. Every church in the land should have their doors open giving shelter to the homeless. I see all the churches so beautifully kept with doors locked against those who need shelter. It really disheartens me.

  • FX777222999 on Dec 31, 2011

    Revisiting this touching poem.

  • inuni on Jan 19, 2012

    good one

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