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    Aditus
  • Aditus
  • Author
  • 12/09/2016
  • 189 Words
  • 1,181 Views
  • 24 Comments
Poetry posted in this category are works of fiction. Names, places, characters, events, and incidents are created by the authors' imaginations or are used fictitiously. Any resemblances to actual persons (living or dead), organizations, companies, events, or locales are entirely coincidental.
Note: While authors are asked to place warnings on their stories for some moderated content, everyone has different thresholds, and it is your responsibility as a reader to avoid stories or stop reading if something bothers you. 

An Advent Calendar - 9. Door#9 - Christmas Spirit

Christmas Spirit

Salvation Army bells clamor

For the attention

Of scowling faces,

Shuffling feet,

And stooped backs,

But are ignored

As the jaded masses

Stare pointedly forward,

Intent on their quest for an adequate gift.

 

Carols on ‘repeat’ produce eyerolls

Instead of delight

In the hardened hearts

Of weary parents waiting in line

To purchase an overpriced snapshot of

The balls of energy at their side,

Who anxiously await the chance

To tell Santa their fondest wish.

Rude words and looks are exchanged

As the line jostles forward.

Screams and sobs overshadow

“All I want for Christmas”

As the reality of meeting the Jolly Red Elf

Comes crashing down on impressionable youth.

 

The loudspeaker declares

‘Closing time in five minutes’,

Prompting both relief and annoyance,

Depending on how many items

Were crossed off crumpled lists.

 

A blanket of fresh snow

Generates a new round of complaints,

Until a shrill, clear voice pierces the silent night.

“Look mommy! Isn’t it beautiful?”

One upturned mouth creates a wave of others,

As the spirit of the season is revealed in the joy of

A small child.

No blabbering this time. Enjoy! Thank you for reading! I'm a bit in a hurry...
Copyright © 2016 aditus, Cole Matthews, Valkyrie; All Rights Reserved.
  • Like 18
Poetry posted in this category are works of fiction. Names, places, characters, events, and incidents are created by the authors' imaginations or are used fictitiously. Any resemblances to actual persons (living or dead), organizations, companies, events, or locales are entirely coincidental.
Note: While authors are asked to place warnings on their stories for some moderated content, everyone has different thresholds, and it is your responsibility as a reader to avoid stories or stop reading if something bothers you. 
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Former Member

Should you ever want to ruin the magic of Christmas forever, just get a job in retail. You get to deal with all the unhappy customers who think it's all your fault that the store doesn't have what they want in stock. It's also your fault that the manufacturer's return policy isn't liberal enough to accept something broken because they didn't follow instructions. And it's also your fault that there wasn't any parking and the checkout line is too long. And just wait until they're all in line waiting to return everything (without a receipt, of course) and it's all your fault again.

 

I know you wanted to work overnight and on the holiday itself too! Plus you're probably getting paid minimum wage (aka poverty wages). Because everybody (including especially your employer) loves a bargain. Bah Humbug! ;-)

 

Oh, and do some research before you drop any money in red kettles. There are plenty of worthy LGBT-friendly charities out there.

 

Cheers!
–Scrooge ;-)

Puppilull

This is how I treasure Christmas nowadays. Through the eyes of my kids it's worth the stress of finding the right gifts and fixing the food, decorations etc. If it were just me and hubby, I suspect we wouldn't bother...

 

I have to guess. It's become a thing now. So I think this is Val. Why? I can't really say. Weird how my brain just decides without letting me know...

Aditus
On 12/09/2016 07:14 PM, droughtquake said:

Should you ever want to ruin the magic of Christmas forever, just get a job in retail. You get to deal with all the unhappy customers who think it's all your fault that the store doesn't have what they want in stock. It's also your fault that the manufacturer's return policy isn't liberal enough to accept something broken because they didn't follow instructions. And it's also your fault that there wasn't any parking and the checkout line is too long. And just wait until they're all in line waiting to return everything (without a receipt, of course) and it's all your fault again.

 

I know you wanted to work overnight and on the holiday itself too! Plus you're probably getting paid minimum wage (aka poverty wages). Because everybody (including especially your employer) loves a bargain. Bah Humbug! ;-)

 

Oh, and do some research before you drop any money in red kettles. There are plenty of worthy LGBT-friendly charities out there.

 

Cheers!

–Scrooge ;-)

Valkyrie: There’s a reason I don’t work in retail. I don’t do well in customer service because I don’t put up with bullshit. I hate shopping and can’t remember the last time I set foot in a mall. There’s no way I would go there during Christmas season! Lol I do the majority of my shopping online. I already know the Salvation Army’s stance on LGBT rights and don’t patronize them or support them in any way. You are right that it’s always a good idea to research who you donate to. Thanks for the review. :)

Aditus
On 12/10/2016 01:26 AM, Emi GS said:

That so sweet. Yeah sweet. I liked the concept took here, children meeting the Santa. Lot of fun, lot of struggle along to malls, shops, parking and most importantly babbling children. Loved it. Val(my guess, if not correct; whoever the poet) you have done a great job... :)

 

~Emi

Valkyrie: Thanks so much, Emi. And you guessed right! :D

Aditus
On 12/10/2016 03:13 AM, Parker Owens said:

I am taken with this series of snapshots, especially on the heels of reading AC' Benus' Famous-Barr series of stories. The final lines of this poem make me remember some of the magic and beauty and wonder of the season. Thank you.

Valkyrie: Thank you for your kind words. :hug: I really appreciate your support and am glad you liked it. :)

Aditus
On 12/10/2016 05:23 AM, Lisa said:

What a wonderful poem! And so true!

 

Trust me, I've been on long lines with the kids waiting to sit on Santa's lap, even though it's not my holiday! lol It's brutal I tell you! Brutal! :lol:

 

And all it takes is one child to remind us grownups how far our innocence has gone.

Valkyrie: Thanks so much, Lisa! Yes, children are very good at reminding us how jaded we get. Sigh.

Aditus
On 12/10/2016 05:48 AM, Puppilull said:

This is how I treasure Christmas nowadays. Through the eyes of my kids it's worth the stress of finding the right gifts and fixing the food, decorations etc. If it were just me and hubby, I suspect we wouldn't bother...

 

I have to guess. It's become a thing now. So I think this is Val. Why? I can't really say. Weird how my brain just decides without letting me know...

Valkyrie: Before my cousins and brother had their kids, Christmas had become a rather dismal affair. Once the kids were old enough to appreciate it, the family get-togethers became less of a chore and more delightful. Your brain was right, so good job at guessing! Lol Thanks for the review and the support. IT really appreciate it. :)

Aditus
On 12/11/2016 04:02 AM, AC Benus said:

Reminds me of going shopping yesterday. Long lines at the department store registers, but one little girl in Daddy's arms, her head resting on his shoulder, was contentedly sucking on a candy cane...it was so charming. Kinda like this poem :)

Valkyrie: Your review brought a smile to my face. :) Thanks so much for the kind words. :hug:

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