25.12.13

Haiku: A Merry Christmas Story

“This is the message of Christmas: We are never alone.” Taylor Caldwell 

Haiku: The magnificent, colorful Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center


Trudging down the street
Cold wind tugging at my coat
Not a soul in sight

Hunger calls my name
No bed to rest my weary head
Sadness builds within

Without an address
Homelessness is my present
No gifts sent my way

 A Merry Christmas
Surrounded by misery
Glimmer of hope, gone

 During the holiday season, I am often reminded that each of us carries our version of a Merry Christmas story. At Rockefeller Center, many gathered to see the tree shown above. It was a mix of people with many, varied stories. Some stories might be rich with gifts and love, while other stories rife with pain and suffering.   Through all this, the homeless, the poor, the abandoned struggle to make it through each day. It is my prayer that during the holiday season, we pause to help others; we will be the richer for it.

I've added a stanza above as my contribution to this week's Haiku Heights prompt: Gifts. I hope this post adds some food for thought to your holiday giving plans. Want to write Haiku? Join in at Haiku Heights or Carpe Diem.
More below

 "As long as we know in our hearts what Christmas ought to be, Christmas is." Eric Sevareid

Haiku: Brightly lit Angels blowing trumpets in Rockefeller Center

Each step a harsh note
Of treasures lost chasing clout
Friends, family gone

Angels walking by
Offer a gift, a warm scarf,
We are not alone...

This marks the first year
Happy Holidays were spent
Sleeping on the street.


For all the blessings that have cocooned my household, family and friends, I remain grateful.  The haiku above is written through the eyes of a homeless person. Each of us deserves a Merry Christmas Story with a different ending than the one above. We can all share some love and spread some light.  May we all be lifted and blessed; we are never alone... Happy Holidays!


 Some Food for Thought: Do you have stories to share about Christmas? What memories do you hold of the season? If you could change one thing about Christmas and the Holiday Season, what would it be? Happy Holiday Season! Love and Peace!

I would love to hear from you: Please leave me a comment. Thank You!

PHOTO CREDITS/ATTRIBUTIONS: All Photographs: from my personal collection


Until Next Time…
Ask. Believe. Receive. ©
Elizabeth Obih-Frank
 Mirth and Motivation
 Positive Kismet


37 comments:

  1. May we all be lifted and blessed; we are never alone... Happy Holidays!

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  2. Christmas is all about gratitude - the year may have been challenging for us Filipinos but I know we will rise! That is the Filipino spirit :)

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    1. Amen to that Marie. It's been tough for many and 2014 will be better.

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  3. True ... may we share what we have with those who don't ... may we enjoy the Christmas with the world :-)

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    1. TY again Amrit and so good to see you here. May your kind words touch all!

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  4. Christmas is all about giving and sharing. We don't have much but my husband and I share what we have on our table with at least 3 needy families.

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    1. Terrific sharing and it is the effort each of us make that enlarges the giving circle. TY!

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  5. This year, our family decided to share our blessings to others and indeed, it brings so much joy and meaning to our Christmas.

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    1. Wonderful... That to me is always the most gratifying. :-)
      eliz

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  6. Another lovely post about Christmas! Merry Christmas and have a wonderful new year! :)

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  7. Nice set! The plight of the homeless needs consideration.

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  8. Beautiful haiku and pretty pictures. I miss NYC!

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  9. Everytime I see this Christmas tree, it reminds me of Kevin of Home Alone ;)
    I hope you had a blast last Christmas day Eliz :)

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  10. This tree brings back happy memories of my kids first American experience.

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  11. I am awfully aware of how different Christmas looks to each of us. We carry forward both our memories and expectations along with what is sometimes much harsher realities. I have so much, and yet I have very dear friends who struggle to just hold on. You always shine that light, Eliz. Thank you. ox

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  12. Great Haiku's and love the Christmas tree photo. Happy New Year Eliz and to your family.:)

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  13. Hello Eliz! Happy New Year and may it be your best year yet!

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  14. I enjoyed this reminder to be generous to those who are less fortunate than I am. Blessing for the New Year.
    Alice

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  15. Different people do celebrate Christmas in different ways. I read somewhere that one reason why Jesus was born in a manger and not in a palace is to identify himself with the poor because he wants to minister to them. Praying that whether rich or poor, both would realize that Jesus came because he loves everyone. God bless you, Eliz.

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  16. It breaks my heart to think of the homeless, but I do like the idea of many kinds of people in the same place enjoying Christmas.

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  17. @What a gorgeous Christmas tree, gigantic to!

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  18. Beautiful pictures and beautiful lyrics, a message for all year around.

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  19. You are very talented with your Haiku :)

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  20. This is the first Christmas that I started "paying forward." It was a heartwarming experience. I felt God's Light shining on me when I gave a homeless man a hot meal, and some fruit. I will be doing this sometime soon. We must always remember Jesus said "The least you do onto my brother, you do to Me"

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  21. Happy New Year, Eliz!!! Here's to a wonderful 2014!!!

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  22. By the way, I love your pictures!!! This post completes the essence of christmas!

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  23. Lovely words as always,Elizabeth! Happy new year to you!!

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  24. Lovely words as always,Elizabeth. HAPPY NEW YEAR!

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  25. Lovely words as always,Elizabeth! Happy new year to you!!

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  26. Lovely words as always,Elizabeth! Happy new year to you!!

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  27. There really needs to be more done for those less fortunate. There is so much wastage of food in many countries while in some countries people are suffering from hunger.

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  28. Great Post!!!! Wish you a Very Happy and Prosperous New Year!!!
    Thanks for sharing

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  29. I absolutely agree that we should all remember to give not only during the holidays, but during the rest of the year as well.

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  30. a very wonderful Christmas tree..hope you had a great celebration of the holiday season!

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  31. oh, the Christmas tree is absolutely amazing! So beautiful.

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  32. I miss Christmas. How time flies! It is already almost February. Does the Rockefeller Center get decorated for Valentine's?

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  33. Chris is my fav time of year. Your tree is just stunning. Thanks for sharing really enjoying your you blog.

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