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It Snowed (Haiku).......................................................Barbara Lynn Terry
Wings Upon The Snow..........................................................John W Leko
A Camouflaged Christmas...............................................Sherry Gail Heim
A Stocking To Hang By The Tree.....................................Rose M Rideout
A Child In The Snow...................................................Edwin Dante Larson
Listen To The Stars Coming Out.................................Donelle M Knudsen
A Magical Christmas Eve.................................................................Mr. Ed
Murmurs By Winter..................................................Antoinette Kopperfield
A Christmas Proposal.............................................................Jill Eisnaugle
Christmas (Rhyming Acrostic)...............................................Regis Auffray
A New Mexican Christmas.......................................................Kathy Armijo
Candy Cane Kisses And Christmas Wishes............................Felix L Perry
Snowflakes and You...............................................................Felix L Perry
A Christmas Thought..........................................................George Carroll
Glorious Magical Christmas Celebration...........................Stephen Pollard
A Homeless Christmas............................................................larry r linville
The Christmas Angel Who Whispered My Name........................A berjhani
Winter Memories Created........................................Walter LaVerne Jones
Christmas Eve...................................................................Lawrance G Lux
Christmas In The Tropics..........................................MaryGrace Patterson
A Sight To Remember..............................................MaryGrace Patterson
Matchgirl, Reborn...........................................................anne cunningham
Winter Scene.......................................................................Dawn Huffaker
Christmas But Who Cares??.............................................larry d matthews
Merry Christmas...............................................................Jeanette Cooper
Message From Heaven......................................................Leann Marshall
Wings Upon The Snow
by John W Leko

Without you Dad here with me
Christmas falls this year…
As winter’s tale reminds me
of promise in my tears.

The one I made on that day
to never let you go…
In memories held forever
like wings upon the snow.

With decorations less bright
I yet remember you…
And light a lonely candle
lost within its hue.

The lights upon the houses
with clear and colored lights…
Will not bring back your smiling heart
to me this Christmas night.

Yet within the pages
on scrapbook of my soul…
You’ll be forever pictured
in corners trimmed with gold.

So do not feel forgotten
within walls this Christmas cold…
There is a candle can be lit
without a match I’m told.

And I will light this candle
with flame of all my dreams…
To keep your memory always warm
when distant life still seems.

To pierce us in the holidays
with thorn of holly leaf…
Reminder of remembrance
for those we hold in grief.

And I repeat this promise
to never let you go…
In memories held forever
like wings upon the snow.
It Snowed
~ Haiku - 5-7-5 ~
by Barbara Lynn Terry

Were are you when it snows?

Yesterday it snowed,
And the wind did spritely blow,
Keeping me inside.
A Camouflaged Christmas
by Sherry Gail Heim


This is the e-mail I got from my friend in Iraq in
response to this poem:
Sherry,
Are you sure you're not over here??? Your poem
nailed it on the head, as usual. Should be home in
February. We're doing okay, and the elections will be
held. Then it will be time for someone else to take the
next chapter of Iraq's future.
Love ya,
Chris


It’s not feeling like Christmas
In this land called Iraq
Where a soldier on watch
Is avoiding attack

A sand storm is raging
He could sure use some rest
Not at home for Christmas
Puts his strength to the test

Then from out of the dark
Comes a small little boy
Walking with caution
And acting quite coy

“Thanks for the pencils
The crayons, the food
Thanks for my family
And the job that you do”

“Thanks for the chance
To be one day free
To live in a land
That will embrace liberty”

Then up in the sky
A sleigh did appear
With a fat jolly man
And several reindeer

Their shadow cast
On the face of the moon
That soldier could hear
A faint Christmas tune

He pondered a thought
Then breathed a deep sigh
Wiping the tears
From under his eye

There may not be snow
Or a tree bright with lights
But he’s brought hope to a child
As he fights for his rights
Important Note:
All of the original writings are copyrighted, belong to
those who created them, and should not be used in
any way without their permission.

A Stocking To Hang By The Tree
by Rose Marie Rideout

You’ve filled my heart and soul with joy,
You’ve given me every single toy.
I want to give you all the same from me,
So here's a stocking to hang by the tree.


Inside it has all my heart and soul,
My kisses and love for you to hold.
My dreams, my hopes and my every joy,
My smiles and tears for you, I gently cry.

I’d like to park a brand new Harley,
Underneath the Christmas tree.
With a huge red bow attached to a tag,
Saying to you Darling just from me.

You give me so much all year long,
My every wish, is as complete as a love song.
For once I want to give you the same from me,
So here's a stocking to hang by the tree.

It has my scent and my smile too,
It holds my heart, with a love so true .
It has a wish and a hope for you,
That all I give will have to do.

For this year is a start of a new life,
Your stocking holds everything dear from your wife.
I want to give you the world as you’ve given me,
All I have to offer is in a stocking to hang by the tree.
A Child in the Snow
by Edwin Dante Larson


Once A child in the snow
When tomorrow seemed
So far away
When dreams were oh so real
And easy to believe


It seems so many years ago
But it hasn’t been
That long a time
It was hard to get to sleep
On Christmas Eve


Through the years the fantasy
Gave way to
stark realities
And it seems so much
Was lost along the way


Now a grown man but deep inside
A magic place
where this child hides
Where the winter chill
warms memories of love


Memories of a child in the snow
Listen to the Stars Coming Out
by Donelle M. Knudsen


Around the campfire, amber coals aglow,
their warmth kisses cool skin,
and all is quiet except for
the sound of the stars coming out.

Only those in tune, sensitive souls
who have loved and lost
can feel the universal shift of
setting sun to glimmering constellations.

A whiff of wood smoke floats upward
to tickle eyes and nose,
while rustling in nearby brush detracts
from the sound of stars coming out.

Nighttime chills crawl up my spine,
pulling my coat tight around
at the thought of nocturnal eyes
watching me as the stars come out.

Gradually Heaven’s Eye opens wide
to reveal dear departed souls,
some bright, some faint,
but all visible as their stars come out.
A Magical Christmas Eve
by Mr. Ed

“Being the very first visitors to greet the tiny newborn child every
animal on earth can magically speak, on Christmas Eve.”
(A Polish Proverb)


I traipsed along a forested path, late one Christmas Eve,
And what I heard that magical night, I still cannot believe.

The air was calm; the night was still; the snow was gently falling,
As I came upon a woodland clearing, I heard the creatures calling.

“Hark!” sang Sparrow, in his perch high up in the trees,
“I do believe the time draws near! I truly do believe!”

Squirrel now peered skyward, and he suddenly became very
excited,
“Why, you’re right, you’re right, Mr. Sparrow! Oh, I’m so delighted!”

“What’s all this chatter about?” soon asked Baby Rabbit to his
Dad.
“It’s here!  It’s here!  It’s time for all of us to rejoice, and not be
sad!”

“Why, what do you mean, Father? What are you trying to tell me?”
“The Christmas Star has come, my son.  Just look and you will
see.”

Baby Rabbit gazed up to the heavens, and he soon saw it too,
Somehow, in his tiny furry heart, the magic and the glory grew.

“What is that star that shines so bright, this snowy woodland night?
It’s beautiful, it’s wonderful, and how my heart rejoices at this
sight!”

“Why, it’s the Christmas Star, my little boy.  It visits once a year,
It brings us all a splendid message, and fills our hearts with cheer!”

“What is the message this bright star brings?” asked Baby Bunny,
“Let me answer that,” chattered Squirrel. “Now listen to me,
sonny.”

“Once each year, on Christmas Eve, the Christmas Star does
shine,
Reminding every creature on earth, of a birth most ancient in time.

“On Christmas Day, long long ago, a tiny baby was born,
This baby’s name was Jesus; He was The Son of our Lord.”

“He came to preach good will and peace, towards both man and
beast,
And every year we celebrate his birth, at our wondrous Christmas
feast.”

“You mean our Creator’s son was born this very day, so very long
ago?”
“Yes, Baby Rabbit, now rejoice in your heart because you finally
know.”

“Oh what joy! What joy! To now know of this wondrous tale!
Suddenly, my heart is flying, Father!  I can actually feel it sail!”

“It can, my son, especially on this magical Christmas night;
Now come, let’s all head back home, reflecting on this sight.”

Suddenly, before my very eyes, the forest animals quickly
disappeared;
I stood there in that clearing all alone, and to the heavens, I, too,
peered.

I remained there for a very long time, gazing at that shiny
heavenly feature,
And truly marveling in my mind, at the wisdom of these tiny forest
creatures.

The star they spoke of truly did shine for me that wondrous
woodland night,
And as I slowly turned and headed home, my heart, too, reveled
at this sight.

Holiday season
A light snow is falling down
Murmurs by winter

by Antoinette Kopperfield
A Christmas Proposal
by Jill Eisnaugle

A poem written in response to an e-mail I received
from a man who sought help in writing a poetic,
Christmas-themed marriage proposal poem.

The holiday season is a time to share
Our innermost feelings of respect and care
I love you much more than my words can convey
I know that I will until my dying day
Your smile is as brilliant as the tinsel’s glow
And pure as December’s freshly fallen snow
Your love is a treasure; a gift from afar
The answer to my wish on a fallen star.


No holly or mistletoe covered in dew
Could ever shine brighter than the heart in you
The lights on the tree sparkle just like your eyes
And both of these things have made me realize
My life would mean nothing, if you were not here
Each day that we share is like holiday cheer
You bring me more joy than my life’s ever known
I never want to spend one more night alone.


My dear, you’re an angel; my life’s Christmas wonder
My love for you could never be torn asunder
So, here in this moment, I’ll offer to thee
My heart and my soul throughout eternity
I kneel here before you to present this ring
Though, I cannot say what tomorrow will bring
I promise that I’ll always stay by your side
If you will say, “Yes,” to becoming my bride.
Christmas (rhyming acrostic)
by Regis Auffray

This is not a "usual" Christmas write for me.  I
thought I would try something different.  Best
wishes to all.

Christ is born in Bethlehem
He comes in midst of mayhem
Rejoice for he brings us peace
Ignorance and hatred cease
Sing his praises do not sway
The Lord comes to show the way
Make your enemy a friend
All will be one in the end
Shed your chains and walk away
A New Mexican Christmas
by Kathy Armijo

Nativity scenes decorate people’s yards
Christmas lights adorn houses of every style
All in anticipation of the Holy Night
To celebrate the birth of the holy child

As tamales, posole, and homemade bread are prepared
Filling our thoughts of the Christmas s p r e a d
Mom’s pastelitos and biscochitos are the best
When they taste like hers, you’ve passed the test

Las Posadas are a re-enactment of THAT night
People going from house to house seeking shelter
Hoping to find a place for Mary to give birth
Ending at the designated house, finding shelter and mirth

Christmas Eve has its own custom
Houses silhouetted with luminarias
The City has a tour of the best-lighted homes
Even the cemeteries are framed with candlelight

With all this wonderful lighting
It is an invitation for the Baby
To make His way to our abode
To meet with Him, here, at this crossroad

A New Mexican Christmas
I am so glad I live here
Everywhere you go, you hear
Feliz Navidad!  And revel in heartfelt good cheer.



Author’s Note:  Christmas Eve in New Mexico is a very special
night.  It is steeped in tradition.  No other image symbolizes
the season better than the flickering lights from the brown
paper bags called luminarias or farolitos, which line the
walkways and outline buildings and houses throughout the
state. They are only lit on December 24th and in many areas,
such as the Old Town area here in Albuquerque, electric
lights are turned off, motorized traffic is restricted, and
people bundle up and stroll the areas and let the luminarias
and carolers weave their spell.  Even the cemeteries take on
this wonderful tradition.
Candy Cane Kisses and Christmas Wishes
by Felix L. Perry

Christmas lights, laugh at snowball fights,

Gentle lamplight hugs, a special night,

Hearing carols sung, church bells rung,

Snowflake tongues, feeling giddy young,

Magic Christmas wishes, candy cane kisses

Then snuggling undercover, midnight lover

Come Christmas day, to you I softly say

What a wonderful view…baby I love you…
Snowflakes and You
by Felix L. Perry

Snowflakes and the smell of wood smoke
Christmas carols down at the local mall
Your hand in mine strolling downtown
Merry Christmas greetings one and all

Bought a sweater for your sister Mary
A toy train set for little cousin Cleve
Secretly I bought you a red sexy nightgown
Hoping I’ll see you in it come Christmas Eve

Home curled up to a crackling wood fire
Sweet hot chocolate made for you and me
Watching some old corny Christmas show
Contentedly gazing at our sparkling tree

Sharing Christmas chocolate tasting kisses
Warm feelings not from the fire’s flame
Oh sweet one you know I love the holidays
But without you it wouldn’t be the same

In the distance midnight church bells ringing
To old Saint Nick I send a little prayer
For giving me the perfect Christmas present
The love in your heart with me you share…
A Christmas Thought
by George Carroll

I opened up a box of thoughts
that I had stored away.
I knew one day I would need them;
today is the day of days.

I sorted through the many files
until I found the right one.
It was marked not to be opened
until the birth of His Son.

I know that it's kind of early
to share this thought with you.
To have a Blessed Christmas day
is the thought I send to you.
GLORIOUS, MAGICAL, CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION
by Stephen W. Pollard

This is another Christmas poem that I have tinkered with
during last several Christmas holidays. Basically, it is
about why we as Christians celebrate the holiday, how
we go about celebrating Christmas, and how the holiday
season is so beautiful, wonderful, glorious and magical.


Christmas is a time for celebration
We celebrate the earthly birth
Of the Almighty's glorious son
We celebrate our Lord's birth

Christmas is a time for celebration
We celebrate the gift of giving
And the togetherness of family relations
We celebrate with joyous singing

Christmas is a time for celebration
Let us celebrate with colorful lights
And beautiful glistening decorations
Let us celebrate Christmas's beautiful sights

Let us all enjoy the glorious celebration
As we savor the beautiful holiday
Let us all enjoy the magical celebration
As we savor the wonderful holiday
A Homeless Christmas
by larry r linville

I drove by a homeless person and
wondered what his Christmas was like.

Where do you hang your stocking
in your little cardboard home
which you have insulated
with some discarded foam?

Even if you had a chance
and it was given you for free
where underneath your bridge
would you put your Christmas tree?

How does it feel to hold your
“will work for food” sign
as most people drive by
to go home where they dine?

Do you wonder at the people
and think it is so odd
they ignore your desperation
while arguing about God?

Do you know you’re like Jesus
and he was just like you?
There is no room in the inn
so he was homeless too.
The Christmas Angel Who Whispered My Name
by * Aberjhani

You spoke… and the laws of physics rebelled.

Blessings upon the heart, you lavishly bestowed
like songs of morning glories perfuming the dawn.


You spoke and glaciers of hidden memories melted.

My addiction to sorrow, you patiently soothed
with sweet oils of wisdom and healing herbs of faith.

An island of lost identity broke the ocean’s ragged surface.

My lust for kindness, you satisfied
with chocolate diamond lips of champagne and poetry.

A rose larger than a mountain boomed thunder and love.

In the valley of the shadow of broken worlds
your wings dazzled and light reclaimed its beautiful power.

You spoke and trees wet with prayers glittered peace beneath the sun.

As the love in your eyes sang softly my name,
the rhythm of your flight resurrected my own.
Winter Memories Created
by Walter LaVerne Jones

My mind dances in the snow


It is said that the Good King searches for a place to bless

Her face went soft and the world spun left to right
Time left the mind and she was there again in the snow
First snow angel of the year and a perfect one at that
No question judging on a scale hell to heaven heaven version

Home he picks is dressed in winters best

Tip toes in the evergreen rabbits dancing for supper kettle on
Foxes place full of youngins looking over the slim pickens
Chicken coop looking might tempting fat old lazy dog a problem
Old rooster pecking like mad on mommas back youngins get more

Children the ones who are pure of heart allow the good to start

Jenny runs out the door for the school bus spies angels in snow
Stops only a moment in wonder of this image left by sometime during the night
Normal silence greets each passerby beauty is in the beholders eye
Pure of heart and soul finds the images more valuable than gold

Tough the road back in mind love once brought lingers in her heart

House back set off the road night gives it a special glow picture perfect
Each element makes the card of an artists dreams love boils over to the scene
Old rail fence leads to barn and house outlined in trees and stars Purple Mountain
Snow graces the landscape and the mind of children race to the warmth inside

Once a King in winter cold followed a poor man home giving him a simple gift of love
Christmas Eve
by Lawrance G Lux

The stillness of One night,
Somewhere during the witching hour;
One can feel the presence of great Being,
Passing through the Souls of humanity.
The dark flickers of candlelight,
Outline a faint mirage;
Which haunts the rest of life.
Christmas In The Tropics
by MaryGrace Patterson

Living In Florida DOES have its advantages !

Christmas in the tropics
is a sight to behold. You'll
see no snow or ice, nor feel
the wintery cold.

You'll see the southern
sunshine glowing through
palm trees,and feel the oceans
breezes stiring when asleep.

Decorations of all kinds
adorn the houses on each street.
Green grass abounds underneath
our feet.

Palm trees and holly berries
are every where to be seen .
You'll see no snowy white, only
different shades of green.

Yes, Christmas in the tropics
is a sight to behold. You will
find the spirit of Christmas, as
in days of old.
                   A Sight To Remember
                 by MaryGrace Patterson


      I was looking out my window on Christmas eve  night
Low and behold I saw such a strange and wondrous sight

     I saw Santa in his sleigh, no reindeer were in sight,
Instead it was pulled by Flamingos who were in full flight

    Each was in harness with jingle bells attached
All wore long red stockings and fine Christmas caps

    I watched them stop at each house on our street
They waited patiently while Santa delivered his treats

    When he came to our house, I pretended to be asleep
I watched Santa leave, into the sleigh he leaped

     I heard him call out each flamingos name
They started to move and were soon flying again

      Santa called out as he flew out of sight,
“Merry Christmas South Florida on this special night”
Matchgirl Reborn
by anne cunningham


Christian-Andersen's matchgirl,
reborn, I walk a winter's night,
having closed the gate on my vacant lot,
in search of something,
leaving the country path behind,
the sidewalks leading me in,
moon lighting my way,
the occasional street lamp to guide me.


Buttered windows dotting the night,
spilling over silver'd gardens,
love within, I without,
walking tall, a wind-whipped winter's night.


Each window offers me
a voyueristic peek into other worlds,
lives cast in high-ceiling'd rooms,
giant trees alight, tables of food,
the smell of a fire, bodies in brilliance,
shadows moving about, laughter,
the glow of a television,
an attic window ... who lies there?


I can only wonder, trudging onward,
hearing the pulse of music,
the slamming of a door,
a car starting, voices on the wind.


Deeper the town, long past houses,
I stand before a brick wall,
the biggest bar and restaurant,
city center, the roadies loading in,
as I round the corner, facing full windows,
like the little matchgirl,
basking in the final fire,
evaporating the walls to take my look inside.


How they laugh, tease,
pass the brew around, plates of appetizers,
the band roaring full force
as I turn my back, shutting out the light.


Retreating, retracing steps,
long walk home, hands numb, chilled bone,
the shimmering light of town,
the frosted lawns melting away, the noise,
all becoming a distant want,
as I mark my way towards home, final tracks,
sky so clear, bespecked with silver,
my head high, eyes on the watch.


I need only see your falling star,
my reminder, dead perhaps, yet my soul's mate,
the holiday season drawing nigh',
remembering you well, I am warm within.


*****

..."And the matches gave such a brilliant light that it was brighter than at
noon-day: never formerly had the grandmother been so beautiful and so
tall. She took the little maiden, on her arm, and both flew in brightness and
in joy so high, so very high, and then above was neither cold, nor hunger,
nor anxiety--they were with the angel LEON!"  -HCAndersen with the
exception of LEON!


HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL, AND TO ALL A GOOD WRITE.
Winter Scene
by Dawn Huffaker

This poem is found in the Magical
Seasons section of Flights of Fancy -
Volume 1.


Winter Scene
Silent trees
Sleep peacefully
In the cold,
Winter’s air.

Golden grass
Nod their heads,
As they dream
Of  the summer’s dance.

The icy river,
Frozen in time,
Waits patiently
For the warmth of spring.

Birds seek out
The sun and ripened seed,
As they chatter
Amongst themselves.

Clouds cross the sun
Creating shadow hounds who
Chase snowflakes
Along the crunchy ground.

All else
Is at peace
Knowing that soon, very soon,
Life will be hectic, once again.
Christmas But Who Cares ??
by Larry D Matthews

We all could care so much more!!!! Luke
To those in need...

a single mom in need.
an elderly man alone.
a teenager on the street.
but who cares?

No money to buy food.
No company any day.
No place to call home.
But who cares?

The social worker does her best.
The home care worker is there each day.
Shelters are a place to rest.
But do these people have a say?

They didn't plan their lives this way.
They have hopes and dreams.
Struggling each and every day.
Never getting ahead it seems.

Now's not the time to judge their state.
Now's the time to lend a hand.
We can help determine their fate.
Now's the time to take a stand.

We all can help in some small way.
We all can provide some fare.
We all meet these people every day.
We all can show we're the ones who care.

A kind word can do so much.
There's nothing like a kindly touch.
There's a gift for those who dare.
The gift of giving for those who care.


MERRY CHRISTMAS
by Jeanette Cooper

May the joys and blessings of Christmas
Nurture wholesome and fruitful tomorrows
All through the coming year with lots of love
And an absence of sorrows.

May you succeed at the goals you seek
And reach the challenges you face
May you never give up your determination
As you compete in life's busy race.

May friends and loved ones return the love
In your heart that you spread their way
And may you enjoy camaraderie amongst you
As you share, laugh, love, and pray
I am deeply honored that so many writers allow me to feature
their original work each month here on Sketch Notes. And I'm
always blown away by the variety of styles and perspectives,
the rich diversity of ideas and creativity demonstrated in such
collections. I don't know why I am always so newly struck by
this, but this particular group of writings has done it again!
Each one is no less than a gift, as you'll see.

Sit back and enjoy these wonderful poems as you would any
holiday feast. And as you read each one, click on each
author's name to learn more about them.

As I gather with loved ones and celebrate this season of
Love, I will remember to count my blessings, appreciate the
memories I have been lucky enough to hold through the
years, and say a prayer sending love and hope to all people.
Best Wishes Always,
Leann
Message From Heaven
By Leann Marshall

Those things that keep my love away
Futility to question why
Can’t crush whate’er this heart can say
We are connected, you and I

The love I sent upon the wind
To drive my message down to earth
A million snowflakes can’t rescind
But manifests in silent mirth

And though I long to hold you close
This message heard with every bell:
"Find solace in what matters most--
I wish you well, I wish you well..."
A good book always makes a great
gift. Check out the book shelf:

The Bookshelf