Ocean Christmas

If you are diving

deep in the sea,

dolphins have gathered

kelp for a tree.

Sand dollars and sea stars

for your enjoyment

hang on the kelp

like a Christmas ornament.

They are all there

deep in the ocean vast,

to wish each other

a Merry Christmas.

    Some funny rhymes today.  I'm not sure how well enjoyment rhymes with ornament.  And  certainly pairing vast with Christmas is a stretch and a slip rhyme.  But that only means this isn't a perfect poem and it is one I can come back and play with at a later date.  Oh, I do love when I can come back and play with my poems more than once.  What good fun.  So for today can you take one of your favorite old poems and visit with it again? Are there words you would change?  have fun revising.

Camel Races

Now imagine

the wonder

of these three guys--

Kings,

like old golf buddies,

out riding their camels

in the desert.

They see a bright star.

"What do you think that is?"

asks one king.

"Probably the opening

for a new camel dealership,"

says the second king.

"Come on," says the third.

"Let's go see," says the second.

"Last one there," they all say together,

"Is a rotten egg."

     Today's poem reminds me that I haven't written a Christmas poem about egg nog yet.  Perhaps you'd like to help me do that.  I actually had French toast that my husband made with egg nog just the other day.  Oh was it yummy.  I'm so lucky  my husband loves to cook.  I hope you have lots of occasions to laugh today.  Have fun writing poetry.

Nativity

Think of the young couple

traveling to Bethlehem

to pay their taxes.

No fax machine for on-line payment.

No Priceline, Expedia, or Travelocity

to book their room ahead.

How did they manage?

She, nine months pregnant,

her belly big, round.

The baby rode low on her hips,

kicked all day.

She astride the donkey

and her husband walked beside.

What do you think they talked about

as they walked that whole day?

Did they sing,

tell jokes,

talk of their plans

for the baby?

     As the holiday (holy day) comes closer, today is a day for reflecting, thinking and for breathing.  Make a list today of all the things you are thankful for.  It really is a wonderful time to be alive.  A wonderful time to live the Christmas spirit.  You're welcome to write a poem about that.
     I hope you enjoy this beautiful day.

Christmas Surprise

Early Christmas morning

I creeped down the stairs

happy to discover

Father Christmas had been there.

Hanging from the fire place,

peeking out of my stocking

was a little kitten

who started mewing.

She was soft and white

and began to purr

Just what I had wanted,

I love this bundle of fur.

     I was always a sucker for those pictures with the puppies and kittens hanging in the Christmas stockings.  As a kid, it was exactly what I wanted to wake up to on christmas morning.  As an adult, I know it isn't practical.  But, how did they get those kittens and puppies to stay in the stockings?  Do you have a pet?  Can you write a poem about what your pet is going to do for Christmas?

Christmas Candles

The candles burn so brightly.

they flicker in the light,

casting dancing shadows

on this winter night.

     Have you ever watched the changing shadows on the wall from a candle?  Have you used your hands to make shadow puppets from that light?  My house smells like pine and peppermint from the scented candles I burn at this time of the year.  can you try writing your own poem about candles?   Hmmm, I wonder what would happen if I make this quatrain into a concrete poem instead?  Could I put one or two words on a line to make it tall and slim like a candle?  Which way do you think you'd like better?  See how much fun you can have playing with poetry?

Christmas Dolly

I am the wrapped doll

hidden under the tree

Won't you please hurry

to come and find me.

My hair is blond,

my eyes are blue.

I'm in this box

waiting for you.

I'm dressed in a ball gown 

for a party

a tiara on my head.

Will you promise

to always love me,

and take me with you

when you go to bed?

Can you tell me

what you will name me--

Robyn, Donna, Jeanne,

Linda Sue or Mamie?

Please hurry and find me.

Let us dance.  Let us twirl.

I'm looking forward to meeting

my own special girl. (or boy)

     Are you starting to feel the Christmas spirit?  I certainly am.  Today's poem is written for Linda, who suggested this poem--one written in the persona of a Christmas present, from the toy's point of view.  Today's challenge is to write a poem from the point of view of the toy.  What would a sled say?  I'm thinking the yo-yo would have quite a story to tell.  How about that drum, or even the angel on top of the tree?  Can you tell their stories?  Please share your poems.  Happy holidays

Christmas Candy

I told you red and white were the colors of Christmas for me.  I especially like peppermints at this time of year.

Peppermint candy,

makes my mouth sparkle with spice.

They're called starlight mints.

     All right, now it is your turn to write a poem about all the different kinds of candy you like to eat at this time of year.  What candy ends up in your stocking?  Using peppermints makes a great writing exercise because it has a wonderful smell, the wrapper makes an enticing sound as you unwrap it.  There is both texture and taste that change as the candy melts on your tongue or crunches into smaller pieces.  I hope you have a peppermint to eat while you write your poem.  Do I need to say enjoy?