Holiday Season Poetry Contest (Long Overdue)

reply to post by worldwatcher


A Christmas Miracle to Remember

I prayed ever single night and pulled the cold covers over my sleepy head,

Peace I prayed for, my Dad to come home and Santas big shinny red sled.

Mom would work at the factory sixteen hours a day to make our ends meet,

Her hands bleeding from work, Dad in the V.A. hospital and very little to eat.


Remembering the cold winter Noreaster winds blowing across Lake Erie,

Thinking of my Dad and the good times we had, made me so very teary.

My brothers and sister all got along and they were always there for me,

We all went out that year and found a very very special Christmas tree.


My Mom came home one cold winters day and said we have no money,

She told me with tears streaming down her cheeks I love you honey.

My Mom said, I may have to give all of you children up until a better day,

I tell my Mom we want to stay together no matter what happens I say.


I would pray nightly for a miracle to come to our home when I was eleven,

Praying, please bring my Dad home for Christmas my dear God in heaven.

I will be good I promise my God I ask for Dad to get better and to be home,

Little did I know a miracle was ringing at the end of our party line telephone.


My grandma called and said, she would soon be there to help our family out,

I learned from my grandma what the true spirit of Christmas was all about.

Helping one another when times were good and when times were very bad,

Miracle of Miracles came to pass on Christmas day at last there was my Dad.

Rik Riley

Years and years, and years ago,
A man was trapped in freezing snow,
Up north they say, yes, t'was the place,
Of bitter cold and land of waste.

His hands and feet contorted numb,
There was no heat, there was no sun,
And so he lay, in brittle shape,
Lost in dreams, not quite awake . . . .

When first the star appeared.

A former teacher, T'was his calling,
Till age and weight brought him falling,
Down to earth with saddened heart,
Too old, too fat, to make new starts.

He lay there staring into space,
The starlight falling o'er his face,
When sudden-like a voice came through,
Saying "Don't despair, I've plans for you."

And the star grew brighter in the night.

A snowdrift moved, a beast came hither,
It nuzzled him to stop his shivers,
An Elf bent down with toddy cup,
"You're finally here, please drink this up."

Later, sitting by the fire,
The chubby man did inquire,
"What do you do here, what is your cause ?"
In unison they answered, "We work for you, now, Mr. Clause !"

And the bright star moved on across the heavens.

Sugar canes, and lollypops
Old bearded dudes have had enough.
Ho Ho Ho.
You cant say that!!
You have offended me,
you have offened yourself..

So this christmas Im going to buy you a sense of humor!
Its all just a rumor, there is no santa clause!

He lives in our hearts, and this year Santa Clause is homeless!
Running around the Xmas tree, With a pair of sissors.

That sertinly sounds like me!
And soon you will all see, when you end up with a bag of coal in you're stocking.
That you should have taken a moment to set yourself free!

You shouldn't have spent the money on me!
You should have given to the poor, just give um some more!

With all your Xmas dreams come true..
Elves and stocking, Reindeers and mockery.
Old guys who have children on his lap.
Back in the 80's we wouldnt have a problem with that!

But these days, times have changed..
And the comming of days I wish for peace on earth..
My mind is beggining to burst!

So all I have to say is merry christmas!
And happy new year!

IM going to buy you a beer!

"Christmas Eve"

It's Christmas Eve the kids are asleep
Me and my wife make our move
We creep up the stairs without a peep
And start getting into the groove

It's our only chance before the big day
To enjoy the season of giving
We unwrapped ourselves right away
It's the best time to be living

The bells are ringing the sounds of joy
With candles shining bright
My wife is asking for her favorite toy
I got her a year ago tonight

"Ho!, Ho!, Ho!" I was shouting with glee
Like Santa Claus on his sleigh
There was nobody more happier than me
The night before Christmas Day

All thru the night we spread our cheer
We knew the meaning of love
Happy Holidays I whispered to my dear
As the snow fell from above

Her smile glowed like Rudolph's nose
As she grinned from ear to ear
There was a tinkle in all ten of my toes
For Christmas Day drew near

We fell asleep holding each other tight
And started to dream away
But then our kids turned on our light
It was time for the big day

"Santa's been here" my kids all shout
As we head down to the tree
Christmas is special without a doubt
But so is Christmas Eve

Giant snowflakes thickly falling,
Snowmen lasting, never thawing,
Winter wonders day and night,
Christmas brings a peaceful sight.

Inside, the popcorn's popping,
Around the tree they're rocking,
Stockings hanging near the fire,
Stuffed with everyone's desires.

The dogs and cats all get along,
As people sing their favorite songs,
Of Christmas's past and Christmas present,
Of Gods, and kings and lowly peasants

It's a splendid time to do a favor,
For family or friend or friendly neighbor,
Give a gift or helping hand,
Enjoy the time as best you can.

This special time will come and go,
We'll soon return to lives of woe,
So while it's here help spread the word,
Of Jesus's birth if so you've heard.

Remember that a star on high,
Made it's way across the sky,
Showing hawks and aster doves,
The path to peace is paved with love.

Giant snowflakes thickly falling,
Hardened hearts begin the thawing,
Even in the cold of night,
Let's all join hands, it must be right.

A li'l seasonal song 'bout Rudolph to the tune of The Smokey and the Bandit theme...Jerry Reed’s “The Legend”


You heard ‘bout the legend of Santa’s sleigh
Donner, Blitzen, just to mention some names
But there’s a sleigh-drivin’ legend in the North today
A reindeer called Ruldolph from up Green-land way

Every sleigh-runner knows his name
They swear he’s got sherry a-runnin’ in his veins
A hoof like lead, ant-lers of steel
Haulin’ christmas on 18 wheels

He left the pole jus’ short of xmas day
South-ward bound through Geor-gia way
He hit the Monteville’s roof in the driving snow
So hard he couldn’t hear a “ho-ho-ho”

Well he started down the eaves when he lost the gear
He hit them brakes, but got no-where
The Monteville’s roof is steep and long
And everyone that seen thought Rudolph was gone

Well his sleigh jack-knifed, spun completely round
He was coming down the slates ‘bout the speed of sound
The children still awake, they swear they hear
Rudys head out the window yelling christmas cheer

Well he got to the chimney safe and sound
Everyone asked Rudolph how he made it down
He said “folks when the sleigh sped down the roof
I just ran along beside it and drug my hoof”

You heard ‘bout the legend of Santa’s sleigh
Donner, Blitzen, just to mention some names
But there’s a sleigh-drivin’ legend in the North today
A reindeer called Ruldolph from up Green-land way

Every sleigh-runner knows his name
They swear he’s got sherry a-runnin’ in his veins
A hoof like lead, ant-lers of steel
Haulin’ christmas on 18 wheels



Sing-a-long y'all...

His hands are warm,
His feet are cold,
A blanket given,
A story to be told.

The street is his home,
The concrete his bed,
Visions of sugar plums,
Do not dance in his head.

Memories of youth,
And holidays past,
Pierce the veil,
Behind his tipped flask.

The jungle followed him home,
That day in sixty-nine.
Wrestling his demon,
Born out of Vietnam.

The shoppers rush by him,
Not knowing his harm.
A piece of his soul,
And his missing left arm.

That first Christmas home,
His momma so joyous.
She didn’t know her boy,
Was swallowed by sadness.

An invisible man,
Struggling to cope.
Holding loosely to sanity,
And steadfastly to hope.

He hopes he is sober,
When God calls him home.
To lay bare his grief,
Upon the Son’s throne.

"Christmas to Me "



Christmas to me is very great
gettin' to chat on BTS 'till it's very late
Not getin' into debates
Just talking about christmas songs we love hate.

To me AD's actually feelin' the holidays this year
As well as my girl Snakeslayer who brang me to tears
We're all waiting for that wonderful moment
To spend time with the people you love on this wonderful planet.

As for me I'm just waiting for the days that come after
I'll be having my birthday and my home will be filled with laughter
But I'd sure love to spend the holidays with Snakeslayer
Maybe in a few years I'll get to celebrate with her .

The spirit of Christmas is in the air
even though chaos is everywhere
folks fighting in wars that'll never end
not bein' able to spend time with their close friend.

Doin' it all for the sake of this great nation
to keep a smile on us folks that have vacation
to all the kids in the world that have a family
so they could opens gifts that lay on their christmas tree.

To me this is the best holiday season for a guy like me
'cause I could just sit back and watch TV
while I eat some holiday themed cookies
which go great with some christmas themed movies.

But since I'm not lazy this time around
I'll actually go and buy gifts for folks I've loved
Not anything that expensive like diamonds or gold
maybe a fur coat or timberland boots to wear in the cold.

Or I could get something for the kids to get them inspired
maybe some cool toy cars with real rubber tires
or a paint set so they could become the next Da Vinci
with a NWO comic book that's based on an alien conspiracy.

Hope all you folks get to spend time with your loved ones
'cause their lives might end suddenly by violence and hand guns
it's happened to many folks around the holidays for no good reason
may all you folks enjoy this Holiday Season .









[edit on 18-12-2007 by steve-o]

Holiday Music

We are reminded, each and every year,
Of "Grandma being run over, . . by a Reindeer",
Other tunes and christmas songs,
Bring good tidings . . all season long.

Classic carols where-ever we go,
Help us shop through cold and snow,
"Hark the Herald Angels Sing",
"Here Comes Santa Claus", jing-a-ling-a-ling.

"Pretty Papers, Pretty Ribbons of Blue",
"Merry Christmas Darling", to you,
"Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire",
"Joy To The World", sung by a choir.

"I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus",
"Silent Night" in all the malls,
"We Three Kings of Orient Are",
"Following,following, Yonder Star".

"White Christmas" and "Jingle Bells",
Songs of faith or stories tell,
"Tis The Season To Be Jolly,"
"Deck the Halls With Boughs of Holly".

Music makes the season bright,
In its air we do delight,
So sing and hum and pray, then go,
To kiss someone . . under Mistletoe.

"Merry Cristmas Baby".


[edit on 19-12-2007 by SIEGE]

The Office Party.

The office party had begun and started out quite proper,
a few anecdotes from the boss about his time as a copper,
gifts were shared amid lots of chatter and friendly banter,
and everyone cheered the fat guy from sales dressed as Santa.

The night wore on and the beer and wine flowed freely,
the guy from stores was in the carpark doing wheelies,
while the girls from reception were getting more revealing,
and all us guys laughed and sang about gettin' some "sexual healing".

Soon the ties were loosened and the buttons were lowered,
the arrogant jerk from procurement was in a corner all cowered,
while the boys from despatch showered him with wine and cake,
it was then that i decided i would make an early escape.

But the booze had other plans and unfortunately i was included,
i went from beer to bourbon i was so bloody deluded.
That wanker from the 10th floor was givin' me the eye,
bloody snobby nosed spooner just give it a try.

We both started swingin' but neither of us got hit,
just as well really cause i think im gonna be sick.
5 minutes later we became best of friends, arms interlinked,
around the dance floor we swung while we continued to drink.

Blurry images of hours pass by in my fragmented mind,
pictures of myself, jocks on my head leading a conga line,
a darkened stairwell and a multitude of fumbling hands,
of carousing in the streets and urinating on a taxi stand.

From beneath the sheets a sliver of light spills in for me to see,
my head is screaming it will explode and to leave it be.
But something weird is beside me pushing under the bed clothes,
Ohh my god i scream silently, "please not the girl from records".

It is at that moment, etched forever in my brain,
i've sworn i'll not touch a drop ever again,
for from beneath the sheets raising his head and giving a wink,
is the fat guy from sales who was dressed as St Nick.

mojo

(This is NOT based on a factual event)

*A Christmas Sock Doll For My Baby Sister*

As I gazed through the window of crystalline ice
never imagining Santa not coming at all.
Scraping a Christmas message for all to see....
Baby sister in casts and unable to crawl.
Making wailing sounds like a Spirit Banshee.
Snow falling with three feet already on the ground
And polio preventing sister from moving around.
The antiquated furnace is making a funny sound.

Momma cried, at 7 years old you understand
I'll try my best to clue you in....
Santa may not come this year near our land
Because your father's job is in ruin.
But Ma, Santa doesn't care if we're rich or poor
We've no fireplace and he's always came through the door.
Momma was solemn and what she said was true.
Santa Claus wasn't coming even if we had a flue.

I've had 6 years of Great Christmas's, but my little sis only two.
She was fussy all the time with cast up to her waist.
Santa or not I vowed to make her happy not blue
A sock doll I made with button eyes evenly spaced
The buttons were equal in size but different in hues
Bounded and determined to get rid of her blues
Scrap ribbons and lace for the little dolls dress
With rosy cheeks, lashes and a smile excess.

In a shoe box wrapped-up in the newspaper comic section.
Sock doll awaits for Christmas day......
Hard understanding sis's moods yet feelings of strong affection.
Hoping she likes it and to God I pray.
Many years have past and many miles apart
My sister and I remain still very tight
She keeps the sock doll next to her heart
Never forgetting that Christmas of old and Oh So White!

So who won what?

I'm intrigued because there were some rather good poems written by people.

No-one else wonder?

reply to post by more_serotonin_pls



i'd completely forgotten about this contest.

*whispers* worldwatcher likes to make you sweat it out you know.

Contestants roasting on an open fire,
Jack Frost freezing out the score,
Yuletide writings, . .f-l-i-t-t-e-r-i-n-g away,
We hope the judge comes back . . .someday.

Update...

Sorry to keep everyone waiting for the results.

When worldwatcher gets back online, the judging will be done quickly but we need to wait perhaps another week before she does.

I know she's fine, but 'real life' is interceding right now.

Thanks for your patience and good humour so far.

All good.

Time is all I have now seeing as I've just moved house and have no internet connection yet.

It sucks big time.

First off... I'M SORRY!!!!!!

Yes I'm a horrible scrooge, who dissappeared and reappeared without judging this lovely little contest we had going. Life hit hard over the holidays and there wasn't enough hours in the day, then when I finally came back, there was always so much to catch up on that I never got back to this. So please forgive me because I'm making ammends by giving all the participants in this thread 5000 ATS points and announcing that the popular vote was tied between Siege and Solarskye(7 stars each) both get an additional 5000 points.

and my favorite holiday poem was ChikeyMonKey because it made it me laugh gets an additional 3000 points.

Again I'm sorry this contest didnt work out quite the way it was supposed to. But Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays non the less. Congratulations and Thank You to all the winners and participants.


[edit on 3-4-2008 by worldwatcher]

Congratulations to Siege for awesome poems I loved them all. I had fun reading all the poems and would love to see other holiday poem contest. Glad to see that you're doing well WorldWatcher. Thanks for the fun and laughter.

Worldwatcher : Thank you and hang in there. Masqua guided us through
our impatience, letting us know about you facing down some RL issues.
After awhile, winning wasn't anywhere near as important as hoping our
judge was okay. Hope 2008 is alot better for you.

Solarskye : Congratulations to you.

Moreseratoninpl : You too.

Thank-you Worldwatcher. Glad to see you back.

Congratulations to the winners!