Don’t Call On Me
Just pass me by this year
Cold winds blow through city streets
as winter’s grip takes hold
and grey souls in downbeat worlds
retreat to lies untold.
Rain-lashed pavements now are bare,
the forecast speaks of snow,
but in grim, northern climates
an oasis starts to glow.
Christmas days are here once more,
those warm, enchanting times.
Chance to cast off gloomy dawns,
relive those joyful climes.
But don’t call on me, Saint Nicholas,
just pass me by this year.
Life’s been good to me again,
no cause to shed a tear.
An old girl who lives by me
would welcome your next call.
She’s seen no kin for ages:
no faces to enthral.
I saw a child in council care:
a broken, battered waif.
A visit from such as you
would prove to him he’s safe.
A homeless girl in hospital
gave birth: a damaged boy.
She has no one to share her load,
your smile may bring her joy.
A sad old man walks the streets,
no one has time for stares.
Would you please take hold his hand
and show him someone cares?
Winter’s chill now stalks the land,
those dark, foreboding clouds,
but Christmas cheer brings happiness
to Man’s enduring crowds.
Please call on me, Saint Nicholas,
next year, around this time.
I may be a grey-faced one
in need of love, sublime.
Some of us have, and are grateful for, a fortunate life, Mike. We feel that it is our duty to give comfort and support to those not as lucky.
I admire the sentiments expressed in your excellent poem and I would add, by paraphrasing an old clichè, “Social Care is not just for Christmas”.
Best wishes, Luigi.
Hi Luigi. Yes…. social care is not just for Christmas. We’re fortunate in the western world to have it available all year round. It’s those poor souls who for a multitude of reasons and situations, still manage to slip through the net. Hopefully a little Christmas goodwill will find them. Take care, young man!
Very nice poem, well rhymed and with a timeless message. Sue.
Thanks Sue. Happy Christmas.
So very well written and so truthful.It brought back memories of many years ago,Christmas 1946.I remember a stranger’s kindness to me when I was low.Thank you for sharing this great write,Mike.Have a good Christmas, Peter.
Thanks Peter. Happy Christmas to you too.
Hi Trevor. You have indeed sussed me out. I was that masked avenger who used to wear his underpants on the outside of his troosers. Thanks for the comments. It’s the everyman who dresses up as Father Christmas every year who puts a smile on the faces of those who encounter him. I hope you are well these days.
you’re Shackleton?? forgive me for any typos.
I think I used to be him, Nic, but he’s now retired from cyber-world interaction. I’ve inherited all his writings, which I’m trying to tickle-up and repost along with new work.
🙂