Since the Christmas of 1980, we've turned Christmas cards into a family project. My part has been to write a poem that tried to say something about our family while capturing a sense of the season in the mood of the times. Sometimes the poem told a story or simply reflected on the constant blessings that have come our way. Sometimes the words tried to give voice to the peace that reflection can bring. In the years when we were granted grandsons, now four of them, there was a poem welcoming each new member of the clan. Those poems and a few others were published in a small volume titled The Conductor's Call.
Some of you have noticed the signature on the posts in the Cigar Box (--td) and wondered about the email address attached to it (tdpoet@gmail.com) because poems have not previously found their way here. Well, the Christmas poems for over 30 years have been signed the same way. Today's entry in the Cigar Box is our Christmas card for 2012. It is the first, and perhaps not the last, poetry that will take up residence in the box.
With many thanks to Beth Thorndyke for capturing the photo of our rowdy crowd and to Shannan for photoshopping Santa's hat to quell the glare from a balding pate - from our family to everyone who has taken the time to read the posts included here, we wish you a season and a year filled with happiness, hugs and holding hands.
ONE LINK
Family fun days at the beach end as the sea slaps the sand
And sunlight sparkled tides tumble in to tickle our toes.
Together our clan, hand in hand, share the stride that
Tames the tides of a future that will sometimes trip us.
Extended hands at each end form the forever link to all
Who've ever walked beside or will yet come to join us.
Two hands, one link, in a child's colorful paper chain that
Wraps the world as it's unfurled from a red clad flying sleigh.
--td