#SeasonalSonnets 2019: 25th December

Hello my lovely readers

Today being Christmas Day and (almost) the middle of Chanukah, I thought I'd write about light, especially as our multifaith celebrations are in the sun this year. Or I should say in summer, because it's been a bit showery so far. But I guess that's possibly a more poignant point - both light and shade can coexist, and that's what these sorts of festivals are trying to remind us. If you've read this series, or indeed this blog, so far, you'll know this is a bittersweet day/time for me - as it is for many people. And, as much as I may not feel it on a personal level, that's a valid response. Aside from particular circumstances, the basic expectation to feel joyful for a day's duration can be hard to match with actual feelings.

The flipside of that, though, is that there can be joy in moments where it's perhaps least expected. As there was, for instance, this morning. We visited my godmother for brief hugs, and to test out the permanent ramp she's had built for me following Mama's earlier temporary experiments. There was a swift but intense downpour just as we left, so we thought it might be slippery going back outside, and that I might even get stuck in the sand in the garden - especially because my shoulder has decided that today is the perfect day to seize up with continuous spasms.

But I didn't slip, or get stuck! And I felt so free chugging like a train down the sturdy slats which have made it possible for me not only to get into her main house but to do so independently.

Thank you, Jen, you're a legend.

So this sonnet is to wish you all as merry festivities (of all kinds) as possible, whatever that means for you. And for anyone struggling, have a check of the hashtag #JoinIn on Twitter - lots of folx there if you need a chat/community.

25th December 2019

This time of year is when we celebrate

the planet's gift of light and what it means,

and sometimes that is hard t'appreciate

if we're not feeling great as it might seem.

But that's when I seek solace in 'small' things

to try to ground myself and keep on track;

and knowing we don't know what next days bring

I'm helped to focus forward and not back.

That's not to negate my more tricky emotions

because what coexists with light is dark

but rather to remember I have options

when life is sitting heavy on my heart.

For, whilst this Christmukah has brought me cramps,

Not shoulders nor showers troubled the ramp!