As I mentioned on Friday, tomorrow is my writing group’s Christmas party – it is an opportunity to share our current projects, reflect on the past year and reconnect with members who have been away. Part of the celebration is for everyone to read a seasonally themed piece of prose or poem. There are always a variety of interpretations to this prompt, which makes for an interesting evening. My submission this year is:
The Box
It sat under the Christmas tree tantalizing me
Its shiny wrapping paper and bright gold bow
Perfectly folded corners and sealed up tight
On the label written in script my name
As I pass, my eyes fix
Under the decorated Christmas tree
Its lights twinkle and baubles dangle
The box reflected a hundred times
When alone I sit beside the box
Smoothing its surface and guessing
The gold ribbon fastened tight
No tears or gaps through which to peek
Carefully I pick up the box
Giving it a gentle shake
There is no rattle or jangle
No noise to give a clue
The days pass slowly
My impatience grows
When will I be able to open the box
And find out what it holds?
Christmas morning arrives
My excitement wakes me at dawn
I creep down the stairs
To find the box gleaming
At last the family assembles
I burst with excitement
As the box is handed to me
I feel its weight again and gasp
With shaking hands I unwrap
The paper and bow discarded
A cardboard box revealed
No clue given still
Prizing open the flaps
Tissue paper rustles
Underneath my Christmas, wish
A perfect treasure for me to keep
Why not share your Christmas themed poem or prose here?
Mandy Eve-Barnett's Blog for Readers & Writers 