A Christmas Song
The False Summit – A Poem
switchbacks
life’s general zigzag
course
toward truth
on a ridge
the mountain’s stiff
spine
then a long slope
arcs slowly upward
crescent path harms
more than crags by
denting patience
interest flagging
a look back
down
to the valley
cloaked beneath
dirty breezes
pleasing in
context
pat
on the back
a lover’s smile
we’ll hold each other
we’ll touch each other
when I return
to the lowlands
to make fresh
mistakes
scrambling
seeking climax
ready to be there
wishing no more miles
to go
clawing toward success
breath drowns out
footsteps, limbs go
to war!
god, get me there!
already
up and over!
onto almost
striding atop
not quite
a vision’s curse
seeing higher up
seeing farther still
the actual pinnacle
the famed top out
only place worth bragging about
feel shame of having believed
feel sent by the foolhardy
excitements, epic teasing
now unobstructed views
salt the tongue’s tip
still scourged still
wanting
the summit of you
in my arms
in the saddle
begins the slide
down the couloir
left by the dead and
gone glacier
I am almost
I am mass wasting
topped out beneath
the tippy if
I go on
victory will be
a true summit—lover
taking too much
will I go on?
grow up.
had I the sense
to turn back
I’d never have
embarked
Come fever!
Let me never be
the naysayer’s prize
A Holiday Wish
The above poem is not Christmasy, but it is what I’ve been working on. The muse waits for no home invader riding on a sleigh.
A dear friend posted a meme saying, “I’m just gonna jingle some of the way. I’m tired.” And that, folks, about sums up end-of-year 2024 for many of us. I put together a short Christmas cat video on Instagram that says as much.
Whatever your feelings or inclinations toward this holiday, I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. There is much to smile about, to take heart in, and to build upon. Thank you for visiting us at Wheat & Tares this past year. Much gratitude for the digital community your participation provides. If you’d like, please take this opportunity to share in the comments section how you’ll be spending Christmas!
Wheat & Tares 
And thank you, your fellow bloggers, and all who visit Wheat & Tares for giving us the sustenance of thoughtful conversation.
“Despite everything, I still believe that people are really good at heart.” ~ Anne Frank
To all who have written posts or comments here, I appreciate your insights, compassion, civility, intelligence and humanity. I really enjoy the various points of view, along with the discussions and comments. Thanks to all who have contributed.