A Potpourri of Poetic Curiosities
Viewing comments for Chapter 356 "The Dark Side of Christmas"A collection of poems showcasing unusual words
9 total reviews
Comment from Pearl Edwards
I tend to stay away from the overtly spiritual writes for the very reason of the threats of hellfire and damnation. Very brave of you to put pen to paper with this one Craig. Like you, for me Christmas is more about celebrating the love of family and friends and I hope you and yours had a good one.
cheers.
valda
reply by the author on 30-Dec-2018
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I tend to stay away from the overtly spiritual writes for the very reason of the threats of hellfire and damnation. Very brave of you to put pen to paper with this one Craig. Like you, for me Christmas is more about celebrating the love of family and friends and I hope you and yours had a good one.
cheers.
valda
Comment Written 29-Dec-2018
reply by the author on 30-Dec-2018
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We did, Valda, and I hope you did as well. Hope you have a great New Year's, try not to melt! Craig
Comment from --Turtle.
Hey, Craig,
I read through this poem this morning too. While eating a Christmas cookie. ; ) And drinking a reheated cup of coffee.
and save your wretched souls from fires of hell.
(uh, oh... I can already hear the run of your pen across the edges of one of those sharpening stones.)
will follow him and all will be just swell.
(And here, a gentle dipping into one of those bottles of sardonic ink, used to scribble a bit of a smile)
though sacrificial lambs are hardly novel.
(It all gets dark when imagined through omniscient eyes of how it will begin, middle and end for the celebration.)
below-- a lesson most of you will learn.
(Ah, in using the voice of God, and expressing the great plan in laymen terms, it gives the sense of a hoity/ calous entity.)
be suffering in torment evermore.
(Once the comet and blitzen comment shifts in, I imagined a more monty python version of god, draping an arm around santa and getting up in the slay.)
The traditional narrative of Christmas? Wait, is that the celebration that people tended to have before Jesus was born?
My husband told my daughter that Jesus grew up to be Santa, you know. That's why he gives presents on his birthday.
Anyway, I enjoyed the darker visit of christmas and let's cheer for things that scrutinized seem a bit odd, as it does well to highlight the taking of the season too serious. I'm all for the warm, kinder side of people in the season. Like the people in front of my brother in line paying for his coffee, to do something nice for someone other than themself. But the fire and brimstone of the end of year celebration being all about the birth of Christ, as it's always been from the first pine tree cut from the forest and decorated has meant.
I got to run to the gym, but I enjoyed this poem too, before I headed out.
reply by the author on 24-Dec-2018
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Hey, Craig,
I read through this poem this morning too. While eating a Christmas cookie. ; ) And drinking a reheated cup of coffee.
and save your wretched souls from fires of hell.
(uh, oh... I can already hear the run of your pen across the edges of one of those sharpening stones.)
will follow him and all will be just swell.
(And here, a gentle dipping into one of those bottles of sardonic ink, used to scribble a bit of a smile)
though sacrificial lambs are hardly novel.
(It all gets dark when imagined through omniscient eyes of how it will begin, middle and end for the celebration.)
below-- a lesson most of you will learn.
(Ah, in using the voice of God, and expressing the great plan in laymen terms, it gives the sense of a hoity/ calous entity.)
be suffering in torment evermore.
(Once the comet and blitzen comment shifts in, I imagined a more monty python version of god, draping an arm around santa and getting up in the slay.)
The traditional narrative of Christmas? Wait, is that the celebration that people tended to have before Jesus was born?
My husband told my daughter that Jesus grew up to be Santa, you know. That's why he gives presents on his birthday.
Anyway, I enjoyed the darker visit of christmas and let's cheer for things that scrutinized seem a bit odd, as it does well to highlight the taking of the season too serious. I'm all for the warm, kinder side of people in the season. Like the people in front of my brother in line paying for his coffee, to do something nice for someone other than themself. But the fire and brimstone of the end of year celebration being all about the birth of Christ, as it's always been from the first pine tree cut from the forest and decorated has meant.
I got to run to the gym, but I enjoyed this poem too, before I headed out.
Comment Written 24-Dec-2018
reply by the author on 24-Dec-2018
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Well, I hope you exhausted yourself at the gym, Turtle (I think that's the point, isn't it?) That way, you should sleep well, and you know Santa won't leave you anything if you're not asleep when he comes...
I hope you and your family have a great time, especially your daughter, as she's still at the age where it's all quite magical.
I agree with you, what it should be about is acts of kindness such as your brother experienced.
Merry Christmas, Craig
Comment from Gloria ....
Well this is a fine poem, Craig. Rhyme and metre always seemed to come to you quite naturally and you make an important point, tis not the season to be condemning people to eternal hell.
Great job and Merry Christmas to you and yours my friend. :)
Gloria
reply by the author on 24-Dec-2018
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Well this is a fine poem, Craig. Rhyme and metre always seemed to come to you quite naturally and you make an important point, tis not the season to be condemning people to eternal hell.
Great job and Merry Christmas to you and yours my friend. :)
Gloria
Comment Written 23-Dec-2018
reply by the author on 24-Dec-2018
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Thanks for the kind words, Gloria. As far as the roasting in undying flames goes, I suppose it's a change from the little baby in swaddling clothes. Not sure it's a change for the better though.
All the best to you for Christmas and the New Year! :)
Cheers, Craig
Comment from Alcreator Litt Dear
This speaks to remind us that sometime good news do not have the same amount of goodness as in the story of Jesus about salvation as some children may not like or believe in such story; well said, well done. Keep Writing, Keep Inspiring -- DR ALCREATOR
reply by the author on 23-Dec-2018
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This speaks to remind us that sometime good news do not have the same amount of goodness as in the story of Jesus about salvation as some children may not like or believe in such story; well said, well done. Keep Writing, Keep Inspiring -- DR ALCREATOR
Comment Written 23-Dec-2018
reply by the author on 23-Dec-2018
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Thanks so much for reviewing. Much appreciated -- Craig
Comment from Dean Kuch
Hey, as I told you in an earlier response to your review of one of my poems, it is your right to believe or disbelieve as you wish, Craig.
So, my advice to you is if you'd rather not read a spiritually themed message is to simply hit the 'SKIP' tab and move on down the road.
That's what it is there for.
No offense will be taken and certainly no offense was intended.
At least not on MY part.
With all due respect, however, it is called Christmas for a very good reason.
Seasons Greetings and Happy Holidays to you, and yours...
reply by the author on 23-Dec-2018
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Hey, as I told you in an earlier response to your review of one of my poems, it is your right to believe or disbelieve as you wish, Craig.
So, my advice to you is if you'd rather not read a spiritually themed message is to simply hit the 'SKIP' tab and move on down the road.
That's what it is there for.
No offense will be taken and certainly no offense was intended.
At least not on MY part.
With all due respect, however, it is called Christmas for a very good reason.
Seasons Greetings and Happy Holidays to you, and yours...
Comment Written 23-Dec-2018
reply by the author on 23-Dec-2018
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No animosity here, Dean. No offense taken or intended. However, here's my take on it. When people want to make a fuss of their little babe in swaddling clothes story, generally my lips remain sealed. Never mind that the story itself is as full of holes as Swiss cheese, and the implications, when one considers them, are unpleasant. Most people aren't even aware they're buying the nasty things as well. I've lost count of how many of these I've reviewed in the past week, with not a peep from my lips, other than the occasional "nicely composed". However, if someone takes it upon themselves to explicitly suggest that not buying the message will result in all sorts of unimaginable torment, then, as that person has the right to express their views, so I have the right to present an alternative viewpoint.
Bottom line, for me, is this. I find quite a few ideas undesirable. That doesn't mean I get my knickers in a twist, it just means I don't like them. Religious ideas, political, social, you name it. Most of the time I choose to ignore them (figuratively or literally hitting "SKIP"). But it's my choice if I choose to offer my own views in my own piece.
Once again,
Merry Christmas, Dean.
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Let's just say we Agree to disagree and leave it at that, 'ey?
~Dean
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Absolutely :)
Comment from Sandra du Plessis
A very well-written Christmas poem. For every good thing there is something bad that balances it out. We cannot be good only or only bad. We must accept both aspects so that we can have a balanced life.
reply by the author on 23-Dec-2018
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A very well-written Christmas poem. For every good thing there is something bad that balances it out. We cannot be good only or only bad. We must accept both aspects so that we can have a balanced life.
Comment Written 23-Dec-2018
reply by the author on 23-Dec-2018
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Thanks so much, Sandra. Much appreciated, Craig
Comment from robyn corum
CD, CD, CD...
What have you done? Oh, my dear, dear man. What did you just do?
We were in the last seconds of the game. The scoreboard says we're down, but the heart and souls of the players and fans say - this game is still OURS!
The wide receiver is headed down the field, and though you're feeling the pressure-- tick, tick, tick -- how long can your defensive line hold out for you? Then -- you see an opening! And you go for distance.. it's a Hail Mary sailing toward the end zone. The pass is gorgeous. A perfect throw, neat and tight, in perfect spirals, pointed straight at the WR's numbers.
Until a defensive back wearing the wrong colors steps across and takes the ball.
***
This was PERFECT. P.E.R.F.E.C.T (I mean in composition - I do have notes on execution below) -- until you switched topics! It's like you lost confidence and suddenly said, no, no, just kidding. But you shouldn't do that!! (imstio -- in my stupid, totally irrelevant opinion)
You're committed. Throw that ball with all the gusto you have, bro!! (I'm sure all that football metaphor stuff is totally wrong, but go with me...)
Without meaning to offend, I do think you have a FABULOUS piece here - but I heartily suggest you end the way you start.
But I understand that only you actually know what you're hoping to accomplish with this post and if I am out of line, first, ignore me, and second, forgive me??
Other notes:
1.) So, you'd best take me up on this
--> It's best you take me up on this. (for scansion)
2.) Okay, class, listen up:
*
"Consider it a love-drury
in order that you be set free
from roasting like old chestnuts in the flames..."
*
Any questions?
--> AMAZING!! BRILLIANT! One of the best phrases I have read ALLLL YEAR!
3.) below-- a lesson most of you will learn.
--> then... after this line... what happens???
I hope you will consider my comments - but only so far as they may be helpful. If they are discouraging or hurtful in ANY way, please accept my apologies. I certainly do not mean this that way. Thank you for sharing - I definitely enjoyed!!
reply by the author on 23-Dec-2018
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CD, CD, CD...
What have you done? Oh, my dear, dear man. What did you just do?
We were in the last seconds of the game. The scoreboard says we're down, but the heart and souls of the players and fans say - this game is still OURS!
The wide receiver is headed down the field, and though you're feeling the pressure-- tick, tick, tick -- how long can your defensive line hold out for you? Then -- you see an opening! And you go for distance.. it's a Hail Mary sailing toward the end zone. The pass is gorgeous. A perfect throw, neat and tight, in perfect spirals, pointed straight at the WR's numbers.
Until a defensive back wearing the wrong colors steps across and takes the ball.
***
This was PERFECT. P.E.R.F.E.C.T (I mean in composition - I do have notes on execution below) -- until you switched topics! It's like you lost confidence and suddenly said, no, no, just kidding. But you shouldn't do that!! (imstio -- in my stupid, totally irrelevant opinion)
You're committed. Throw that ball with all the gusto you have, bro!! (I'm sure all that football metaphor stuff is totally wrong, but go with me...)
Without meaning to offend, I do think you have a FABULOUS piece here - but I heartily suggest you end the way you start.
But I understand that only you actually know what you're hoping to accomplish with this post and if I am out of line, first, ignore me, and second, forgive me??
Other notes:
1.) So, you'd best take me up on this
--> It's best you take me up on this. (for scansion)
2.) Okay, class, listen up:
*
"Consider it a love-drury
in order that you be set free
from roasting like old chestnuts in the flames..."
*
Any questions?
--> AMAZING!! BRILLIANT! One of the best phrases I have read ALLLL YEAR!
3.) below-- a lesson most of you will learn.
--> then... after this line... what happens???
I hope you will consider my comments - but only so far as they may be helpful. If they are discouraging or hurtful in ANY way, please accept my apologies. I certainly do not mean this that way. Thank you for sharing - I definitely enjoyed!!
Comment Written 23-Dec-2018
reply by the author on 23-Dec-2018
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Well hello, Robyn :)
I see now why I sometimes feel so misunderstood here. It's because I play by a different set of rules. In the codes of football I grew up watching, that "hail Mary" would have been called a forward pass, and penalised.
I'm a little surprised you found the opening half or so of my poem (the really boring, done to death, bit) passable, but the very point where you feel I lost the plot is exactly where I thought I picked up my game.
See, we have, sitting up in the clouds, the bearer of this message of glad tidings and great joy (i.e. you're all going to hell), when lo and behold a bunch of characters from a completely different (but equally popular) story sail past. Still, it was inspired by an event you couldn't possibly know about. The day, some thirty or so years ago, when the pre-school my children attended decided to "ban" visits from Santa, because not all households were of the Christian faith. Then, as now, it seems many people had a great deal of trouble separating the two stories in their head.
As for the rest, fairly straightforward, I think.
So, in the end, we have two heartwarming stories we can choose from. The chief difference that I can see is that in one version , the "naughty" children get presented with a bag of coal, in the other they get to be the coal.
Merry Christmas, Robyn. I did greatly enjoy your review, and feel I now understand football so much better :)
Cheers,
Craig
Comment from Debbie Pope
No, it is not your fault that there are inherent problems in a religion that professes to save only a few. The problems are present because so many are unfairly excluded. That's why I can't take the Bible literally. The God that I love is forgiving and accepting. My belief in God is deeply imbedded. My religious philosophy is not. A good Christian should innately feel the problems that you address in your poem.
reply by the author on 23-Dec-2018
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No, it is not your fault that there are inherent problems in a religion that professes to save only a few. The problems are present because so many are unfairly excluded. That's why I can't take the Bible literally. The God that I love is forgiving and accepting. My belief in God is deeply imbedded. My religious philosophy is not. A good Christian should innately feel the problems that you address in your poem.
Comment Written 23-Dec-2018
reply by the author on 23-Dec-2018
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Thanks, Debbie. Generally, I'm inclined to hold off comment at this time of year, and just let people enjoy the good feelings they get from the season. Until someone feels it's a good time to be making threats, then the contrarian in me tends to rear his ugly head! I appreciate your views :) Cheers, Craig
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And I appreciate yours.
Comment from lyenochka
A rant well done in poetry, Craig. I do understand. And I would say there are Christians who don't believe in hell and some believe that hell is merely eternal separation from God. And I know from reading parts of the Old Testament (my dad avoids that part) the one gets a gruesome picture of a punishing kind of God. But in the whole picture, we believe that there has to be justice and Jesus paid the price for that justice. And so personally, I expect to see you in Heaven whether you like it or not. Merry Christmas!
reply by the author on 23-Dec-2018
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A rant well done in poetry, Craig. I do understand. And I would say there are Christians who don't believe in hell and some believe that hell is merely eternal separation from God. And I know from reading parts of the Old Testament (my dad avoids that part) the one gets a gruesome picture of a punishing kind of God. But in the whole picture, we believe that there has to be justice and Jesus paid the price for that justice. And so personally, I expect to see you in Heaven whether you like it or not. Merry Christmas!
Comment Written 23-Dec-2018
reply by the author on 23-Dec-2018
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Oh, I hope not, Helen. Don't get me wrong, if that's what you wish for personally, then I wish it for you. Me, I'll be happy to return to the state I was in before I was born. I thought I'd promoted this, it turns out I hadn't, so you got no reward for reviewing, which is not fair. My apologies. Many thanks, Craig
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Don't worry, Craig. I would review your educational works even unprompted. But since I probably was the first, I probably did get something.