The Switch Off to Switch On – A Poem at Christmas

It only seems like five minutes since the town was festively dressed

Adorned with a towering tree with baubles of all colours, colours that

Celebrate the various creeds of characters, that comprise a loving community.

There were those who raced and those who relaxed, as gift buying

Was either a joyous jaunt through the year, or a bloody battle on a Friday,

But nevertheless, with one voice they sang loud a Christmas carol.

Mountains of gifts were received resplendently, some put to good use,

Clothing to shield the cold December winds, so their hearts were warmed,

Other gifts to bring the giggles to all generations, so their hearts were warmed again.

Everywhere they looked, a picture perfect formed to create their card,

And the words from family, friends and strangers were the warm greeting,

Greeting that could be a piece of advice for them to heed, or maybe praise indeed.

People turned into toastmasters, as the bottles began to empty in jubilation,

Though smiles were born alongside tears of reflection and memory, then

Smile and tear conversed as they drank, and made the gift of understanding.

All this energy needed fuelling, so they began to stuff themselves silly,

They became “turkey tired”, and yawned by the fire, and slept comfortably,

As a reward for their sharing and caring, to those who are less fortunate.

They woke again, to continue their celebrations, in a manner of their choosing,

Whilst formulating promises of what to do in the New Year, to clear the old air,

In a bracing vitality, that’ll be the blueprint of their successes to come.

It only seems like five minutes since the town was festively dressed,

The big switch on of the lights so bright, to stoke their merry conduct,

But in twelve days’ time, there has to be a switch off, so they can be switched on.