This year, an idea that actually came to me several years ago and centered upon "ornaments" finally came to fruition. Utilizing a pure dictionary meaning of the word to open the poem took me into uncharted lands; the surprise was that it also gave me a structure that brought the full intent home.
The times today challenge in ways that are sometimes unimaginable if not unbearable. We need to highlight the abundant beauty to make it flourish and grow around and about us. The joy of Christmas is that it is a reminder of the light during the darkest time of the year in the Northern hemisphere. Choose to keep the light alive no matter what. That is the greatest gift we can offer and receive.
Christmas 2012
by
Richard Perrotti
Beauty is where you find it,
The saying eternally goes.
In your eyes, it multiplies,
Flourishes and grows.
Ornaments can be but a bauble,
Caught by the eye, quickly
glanced,
Attracting unusual attention,
By shimmering sparkle
enhanced.
Placed in most mundane
surroundings,
Any ordinary item transforms
Into something wondrous and
special
As our interpretation reforms.
Any prize, “ornamentalized,”
Captivates your attention with
light.
When finding that flame in
another,
Something sacred within you
ignites.
Step back and look all around
you;
Take notice of what you see.
Is it a forest of human
misgivings
Or a glimmering family tree?
One who looks for such light
in the world
Will find what seems out of
place.
For one who’s capable of
seeing such things,
Reveals his true beauty and
grace.
Be the change you wish to see
in yourself.
Know it’s true value, it’s
worth.
Intentionally granting this
gift to yourself
Is a treasure you tender the
earth.
Choose to see what beauty surrounds
you
In myriad forms of disguise.
Celebrate your own that shines
from within;
Ornamentalize!