the distance is enough to keep us wondering,
is it enough just to see a person’s face?
or to be in a room with them, to laugh, hold hands,
tell jokes…
a distance can grow between hearts, and it has
nothing to do with time or space or whatever…
family members can feel like strangers,
random no-names on the street could be kindred souls…
a day can feel special for absolutely no reason
and a holiday could feel like nothing at all,
devoid of the golden moments we might expect of it…
well, all I know is this: tonight I am calm, I am with you all —
and this breath, it fills my lungs,
and this blood, it flows, so warm to fight the bitter cold,
and from place to place, my head is clear, and my life —
yes, somewhat less of a hectic maze…
and all that stuff, all right, it’s good enough —
good enough for a christmas night
Garbage Notes:
I had to scoop up a Christmas poem for today’s Garbage Notes. I wrote this one last year on a Christmas eve that was sadly not as good as I had hoped it would be.
I was apart from someone special to me. Covid threw a wrench in our plans. But this year I’m so grateful that I get to spend that much-needed time with her and her family. So if she’s reading this, somewhere out there, she knows who she is — I’m very happy that we’re together this time around.
But as for the poem itself — I think it speaks to the fact that the holidays aren’t always going to be perfect. And some years, they’ll be downright tragic. Sometimes a good Christmas is one where you are feeling calm and healthy and have at least some peace of mind.
Many people are alone on the holidays, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they are lonely. Many people are surrounded by others, but they might feel even lonelier than ever because of it. It’s all about where you’re coming from, and the type of person you are.
Even though I was kind of sad last year when I penned this Christmas poem, I also understood that it was good enough that I had a decent place to write and sleep and hide away from most of the drama that plagues the holidays.
I was consoled by the fact that there would be more days ahead, and I’d hopefully have more opportunities to spend special days with the people who matter to me.
Whether it’s with one other person or many. Or whether you are happiest sitting in quietude with yourself. I hope we can all find a way to capture some sanctuary and rest and peace — and that in some way it’ll be enough for a Christmas night.
Okayyy, so happy holidays (if you celebrate them) and thanks for all the support! To all my readers, listeners, and subscribers — your presence and generous engagement means the world to me.
Franco Amati 2023
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Thoughtful stuff, as usual from you.
Beautiful poem. A little bit melancholy but the commentary is something we can all relate to. Merry Christmas!