These Are My JOTtings, Part #2

Christmas: "Hello and Goodbye"

Upon this day a week from now
the Christmas songs are done.
All wrapping paper's bagged I trow,
and so's the festive fun.

Let's wave right now to greet the day
or it may pass us by
without a notice of the way
we laughed and played 'til sigh.

Each store now shovels overstock
right out the door. It's priced
to move, that ev'ry shoe and sock
will look both cheap and nice.

The other side of Christmas leaves
us full and slightly dazed.
This breakneck pace all month it grieves
the heart, unsolid, phased.

It's back to work to pay for things
we would not buy most weeks.
What other day would make us sing,
'til rushing joints do creak.

The "shoulds" do rule in wondrous clothes,
and we feel burdened now.
Oh, may we love and honor those,
who see our love-filled brow.

We show we worship Christ the best
when ev'ry day is full
of praise, that He endured each test,
and draws us by His pull.

The days without the season's joy
are not without great bliss.
In quiet moments we enjoy
the Saving Lord in this.

by Jay O’Toole
on December 19th, 2023