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Things I Liked About Christmas
by
Joyce Sutphen


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I liked those scrawny trees
that leaned to one side, and you
always had to add a branch
to the open spot in the middle,

and I liked those colored bulbs
exploding with a flash and a pop,
and the ones like lava lamps
that could never settle on a branch,

and there was nothing under the tree
except the little town of Bethlehem,
looking more like Pennsylvania
than Palestine in the snowy hills,

and then, on Christmas morning,
the presents, unwrapped and
mostly practical, but always
that one special thing
—--
a blue typewriter for me,
bee-bee guns for my brothers,
a Chatty Cathy for my little sister,
and a pedal tractor for the baby.

You were always the best gift,
watching through the French doors
from the kitchen, making sure
everything came out even.

© by Joyce Sutphen.
Used with the author's permission.

 



 

Joyce Sutphen is the author of multiple award-winning books of poetry, and co-editor of To Sing Along the Way, an anthology of Minnesota women poets. Professor emerita of English at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, and former Poet Laureate of Minnesota, she has garnered multiple fellowships and residencies in the course of her poetry career. The oldest of nine children, Joyce is mother to three daughters and has six grandchildren. She loves both prairie and city and says "a perfect afternoon for me would be a long walk around the big marsh behind my house, or a ramble through Holland Park in London." A fan of Shakespeare, Joyce often uses her commute time to memorize poems by favorite poets.

                   

Post New Comment:
Lori Levy:
An honest and down-to-earth picture of Christmas. I like it!
Posted 12/25/2016 09:41 AM
Sarah Russell:
Yes! That's how I remember Christmas too. Batteries not required...
Posted 12/25/2016 09:28 AM
Jancan:
This poem paints a beautiful, appealing picture. Love it! Janice
Posted 12/25/2016 08:07 AM
JanetruthMartin:
this is special! Wishing all a blessed Day and year!
Posted 12/25/2016 07:45 AM
vscholtz:
Simple words wrapped in poetry stir memory and emotion. Thanks and Merry Christmas.
Posted 12/25/2016 07:40 AM
blueskies:
A poem to cherish. Thank you Joyce. Happy holidays to all the lovers & writers of poetry. The special music that LIGHTS up our minds & hearts...and sings!
Posted 12/25/2016 06:31 AM


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