These Are My JOTtings, Part #2

The Calm, Before the Holidays

The calm, before the holidays
is where we are right now.
Before the Christmas tree displays,
we rest from turkey chow.

Tomorrow we'll recall to mind
a monk, who nailed his thoughts
to Wittenburg's own door so blind
to doctrine's awful knots.

The sweetest moments past this day
are when the shadows flee,
removing masks to truly say
what's in the heart of thee.

A President or not we vote
this year as ev'ry four.
A happy song of pleasant note
is what we hope's in store.

Then for six weeks we'll light the lights,
and decorate our trees.
The wondrous joy of shining nights
each childlike heart it frees.

Each cup of tea, that shares this calm,
or joe we smile to know
may lift the heart, and warm the palm,
while dark of night doth grow.

When Santa finds his kneeling place,
beside a manger bed,
the lasting hope of joy and grace
knows The Savior from the dead.

On New Year's Eve more pomp and lights
will bring us '25.
The ball when dropped 'mid starry sights
a good thing we're alive.

The calm, before the holidays
with time to sit and wait,
I hear the rhythm, turn a phrase,
enjoying moments great.

The calm, before the holidays,
some time to sit, reflect,
the longish look, the lasting gaze,
we never should neglect.

by Jay O’Toole
on October 30th, 2024