Holy Family by Rembrandt. 1640. Oil on wood. Musee du Louvre, Paris
A Christmas Savor
What shall I drink? Egg nog or grog?
What did the Holy Family drink
on that holiest of nights?
Did Mary lean over to Joseph
after giving birth to Jesus and say,
“Joseph, be a dear and pour me
another glass of Chardonnay?”
To which Joseph replied,
“Mary Darling, all we have is
a little mulled wine left
over
from the party the other day.”
Or…
Did a father, proud
Or…
Did a father, proud
after such a long trip
offer his lovely bride a sip
of water to give her joy
upon delivering this
beautiful, healthy boy?
Did the baby cry
Did the baby cry
in a humble home
and looking to his mum,
so beautiful and warm,
reach up to touch
her swollen breast
and savor the milk
from the Mother blessed?
© Jeanne I. Lakatos
© Jeanne I. Lakatos
A lovely poem, Jeanne.I thought at first savor was a spelling mistake of saviour, then I remembered you don't do those! Also it made perfect sense when I read it.Interesting thoughts going on and beautifully crafted.Tancxzs ye Jeanne. Happy Holidays!
ReplyDeleteLove the new header by the way, Frosty man!
One of the best Christmas poems I have ever read!
ReplyDeleteThank you, TFE! You know, I used the term 'savor' and didn't realize the close association to 'saviour' or 'savior' (as we in the States write it) until after I posted. That photo is of my backyard after the first big snowfall this year. It was so beautiful in the sun! Happy Holidays back atcha, my friend!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Argent! And Merry Christmas to you!
I love the title! The word jumped out at me right away and I felt you must have intended it.
ReplyDeleteA perfect blending of the present with that holiest of events - absolute perfect!
Best of the season and a blessed Christmas to you, Jeanne.
Kat
Thank you much, Kat!
ReplyDeleteThis verse evolved upon my overhearing a couple argue about what they should serve their guests for Christmas. After finding the painting, Holy Family, by Rembrandt the other day, I knew it had to accompany this poem.
Merry Christmas to you, too, Kat!
Nice idea. It would be interesting to try and get the arguing couple into it if you're up for a revision, I think.
ReplyDeleteIt's not Christmas until you argue!
ReplyDeleteAh yes, the Whoville contingency! Thanks for dropping by!
ReplyDeleteLook again, my dear Grinches, and you will see
the argument there in the painting and po-eh-tree.
But I must warn you as you focus your eyes-es
your hearts may begin to grow three sizes. ; )
Merry Christmas!
xoxo
What a charming piece! I like how it sounds read aloud. Well done, Jeanne. Warm Christmas wishes to you and yours~xx!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Willow! Good to hear from you! Merry Christmas to you and yours as well!
ReplyDeleteNice poem Jeanne, love your header pic as well, gorgeous and crisp
ReplyDeleteThank you, Niamh! On both accounts! I just love waking up on a brisk winter morning to a world coated in snow. It's magical!
ReplyDeleteHappy Holidays!
Loved the read, Jeanne, totally read-aloudable which I enjoyed. Nice concepts too - the trivial with the deep with a revisionist edge...you got loads in there...lots of seasons greetings to you Jeanne and enjoy the winterwonderland. ; )
ReplyDeleteThank you, Liz! Joys of the season to you as well.
ReplyDeleteOh, just as I'm writing this, my 'snowfall' kicked in...Thanks to Mr. TFE for the magic!
I love it, Jeanne - especially the Chardonnay scene - and I liked what I think Liz was referring to - the movement from tongue-in-cheek to serious - not abrupt, just a gentle settling into a deeper meaning.
ReplyDeleteJeanne, wonderful re-working of the stable scene, the humour is genuine and yet gentle and the lovely Rembrandt interior works so well as illustration. Like Liz and Sandra, the movement from the lighter first verse to the meaningful is so effortlessly handled, and it just reads beautifully. Brilliant!
ReplyDeleteI thoroughly enjoyed your poem, Jeanne. My biggest grouch is that we all forget how this seasonal celebration began. Your poem captured this beautifully. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteSandra, thank you for such lovely words!
ReplyDeleteTitus, as always, your kind analysis brings me peace. Thank you!
Lesser Weevil, thank you for dropping by. Yes, one reason why the lullaby carol, "Silent Night," is still such a favorite.
To all, may you be blessed with the peace, love and joy of this holiday season.