Blogmas Day Nineteen - Pocketfuls of Peace

 

Artwork by Ann Baratashvili

This Christmas...

You don't have to be full of joy

All merry and all bright

You don't have to force festive cheer

If you don't feel alright

No, you're not obligated

To be jovial and jolly

To string the lights and sing the songs

Or deck the halls with holly

Perhaps you're missing someone

And perhaps they miss you too

Perhaps you're feeling burdened

By how much you have to do

Perhaps the bleak mid winter

Leaves you feeling rather cold

Perhaps it's hard to drive

December's darkness from your soul

Perhaps you'd rather hibernate,

Let Christmas pass you by

But remember; it's not long ‘til you

Can bid this year goodbye

For now, don't paint a smile

Upon your teary, tired face

Instead, find quiet moments

Where this season gives you space

And recognise that songs

And decorations cannot hide

The flurry of emotions

Overwhelming you inside

Yes, find those little moments

Where the lights don't feel so bright

Where you don't have to keep pretending

Just to be polite

Where you can breathe in peacefully

Away from all the noise

Away from expectation

That you're full of festive joys

‘Cause when the day is over

And the lights are taken down

When it’s another year

Before next Christmas rolls around

Yes, when the joy is fading

And the merriment has ceased

You’ll be so very grateful for

Those pocketfuls of peace

Becky Hemsley 2023