To Rose Goulart Judd who would have been 100 years
young this Monday December 7. Happy birthday Mom. You left us December 1980 at the age of 60. I have spent more of my life without you than with you which is a tragedy in itself. You were my best friend, my muse, my sounding board. You were always a glowing star.
Ho, Ho, Ho… Well that may be a little too upbeat for these times.. Maybe it should be , NO, NO, NO or even WHOA! WHOA! WHOA! I can see a bemused Jack Benny observing our world situation then slowly putting his open hand on his left cheek and exclaim,“Well.” Maybe that would be more apropos in our pandemic paralysis. Whatever the greeting Christmas is fast approaching and a weary nation wonders what the new year will bring.If anything saying adieu to this terrible excuse for a year will be a blessing.
Various Welcome Column writers have been writing about how they are coping without jamming with their bluegrass friends and band mates. These wonderful folks have their trusty instruments by their sides to help keep them occupied while our nation is in lockdown. Music is the universal language and has abilities to make even the bleakest times bearable. Right now it is being asked to not only keep our spirits uplifted but to perform the task of keeping us sane. It is a lot to ask. Thank you again Welcome Columnists for sharing your stories and keeping us upbeat.
Unlike the rest of the the gifted Welcome writers I have not been playing music solo nor have I played with other musicians via ZOOM. I do have my selections of CD’s and my hundreds of songs on Spotify to keep me occupied. But I do admit it would be nice to pick up the old bass and for just and hour or so play some great bluegrass music alongside some of my friends.
That is not to be but thinking it can happen will be my light at the end of this dark tunnel.
Having said all of that here are a couple of Christmas poems for all of you. I do wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy 2021.
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What’s that now–footsteps on the rooftop?
Could it be a cat or a mouse?
Who’s this down the chimney? A thief with a beard?
And a big sack for robbin’ the house?
I’m barkin’, I’m growlin’, I’m bitin’ , his butt.
He howls and jumps back in his sleigh,
I scare his strange horses, they leap in the air.
I’ve frightened the whole bunch away.
Now the house is all peaceful and quiet again.
The stockin’s are safe as can be.
Won’t the kiddies be glad when they wake up tomorrow
And see how I’ve guarded the tree.
(Shel Silverstein)
I’m Dreaming Of a White Christmas #1
I’m dreaming of a white Christmas,
Just like the ones I used to know
But if I should run out of the white
I will gladly drink the red though.
(Paul Curtis)
“When what to my wondering eyes should appear…
But 10 extra pounds, in hips, thighs, and rear…
(Anonymous)
Snowball
I made myself a snowball,
A perfect as could be.
I thought I’d keep it as a pet,
And let it sleep with me.
I made it some pajamas,
And a pillow for its head,
Then last night it ran away.
But first-it wet the bed!
(Shel Silverstein)
Until next year 2021.
Read a book, hug a child, pet a dog, stroke a cat,
eat a box of Sees and IKIRU!