Holiday Season 2011, 8th Annual Holiday Classic - JLY Options

[JLY]

HOLIDAY SEASON 2011

Unemployment reigns, it’s now scaling double digits,
while protestors are encamped in every major city.
The homeless are denizens of a cold, grey tableau,
for which a pink-slipped class shares an affinity.

Foreclosures rampant, suburban streets desolate;
families in turmoil; stress is the malady of the day.
Empathy for the disadvantaged is in short supply,
people try to stay afloat, barely making their way.

Love thy neighbor has been replaced by love thyself;
avarice has distanced the fortunate from the needy.
Wall Street types navigate their Mercedes’ and BMW’s
past potholes of broken promises, a nouveau tragedy.

We read the headlines, watch the rolling news tickers,
but we’re too self-absorbed to get the true, full tale.
We worry about me and mine in our Starbuck’s world,
never thinking the tide could turn, our ship could sail.

A calm, safe haven, crucial today as it was back then;
it could be a manger, shanty or a shelter; a warm bed
comforts a body and nurtures a poor, dispirited soul;
serenity and sustenance stills the wearisome dread.

Life is full of uncertainty for many newborn children,
three wise men don’t suddenly appear with bags of gold,
nor does a lone, bright star will a destiny for each one;
change perspectives, let’s help make their dreams unfold.

A holiday season should be joyous, a time to reflect,
full of mirthful laughter and tender, smiling sentiment;
a caring manner is free, not bound by creed or station,
may a generous spirit be the core of your new testament.