Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Noel Noel


I just love the little Christmas tree in the park next to Meridian Iron Works building, just below the Mission Station platform. Sure, there are bigger, flashier trees ... but this one is just right, tucked into a little corner of South Pas. It brings to mind my very favorite Christmas poem, written by (my very favorite poet) ee cummings:

little tree
little silent Christmas tree
you are so little
you are more like a flower

who found you in the green forest
and were you very sorry to come away?
see i will comfort you
because you smell so sweetly

i will kiss your cool bark
and hug you safe and tight
just as your mother would,
only don't be afraid

look the spangles
that sleep all the year in a dark box
dreaming of being taken out and allowed to shine,
the balls the chains red and gold the fluffy threads,

put up your little arms
and i'll give them all to you to hold
every finger shall have its ring
and there won't a single place dark or unhappy

then when you're quite dressed
you'll stand in the window for everyone to see
and how they'll stare!
oh but you'll be very proud

and my little sister and i will take hands
and looking up at our beautiful tree
we'll dance and sing
"Noel Noel"

22 comments:

Curly said...

Although I have not been able to get around the City Daily Photo Blogs as much as I would have liked these past few months, especially since the last heart attack, I'd like to drop in at this time to wish you and your family the very best wishes for Christmas.

From Curly at South Shields Daily Photo.

Beautiful words Laurie.

Mister Earl said...

Nice photo and words, Laurie. I love e.e. cummings too, but was not aware of that one.

My best Christmas memories are of the smells of Douglas Fir and electric train smoke blending together at Johnny Wedemeier's house. Johnny lived down the street from us and had a very nice American Flyer train setup. I would go over to his house all the time during Christmas time. The smell of the Christmas tree and other evergreens and electric train smoke pellets were some of the best memories of the 1950s.

Today or tomorrow I will put the Ruby's Diner Christmas Story on my blog.

And a special Christmas wish to you, Laurie and all the other local bloggers. I don't know what I was using my computer for before I discovered you a few months' back.

Sharon said...

That is a beautiful Christmas Eve photo. The scene is very peaceful. Have a wonderful holiday!

Dixie Jane said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
San Diego Farmgirl said...

So pretty! And did you know I share ee cummings' birthday?

Anonymous said...

Brings a tear to my eye, that does. Noel, Noel, Laurie

Wayne said...

I was drawn to the bench. So much for my Christmas spirit.

Happy Holidays LA.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful Laurie, thanks.

Dixie Jane said...

Sweet little tree, sweet little bench, lovely composition and beautiful poem. I have to admit that I miss all of my family, especially this time of year. I love you and yours dearly. Your Mom.

Judy Williams said...

"All is calm, all is bright" were the words that came to my head when I saw this. Perfect composition, Laurie.

What a beautiful poem. I've never heard it - thanks for sharing.

My heart swells a bit more this time of year and I feel as if I've come to know a new family of friends right here on your blog. The internet has managed to make the world a bit smaller and our circle of friends a bit larger. Best wishes to all from Texas.

:~)

Anonymous said...

by the way, for a South Pasadanish, you write a mean haiku

Mister Earl said...

The story of my Christmas breakfast is now up at http://misterearlmusing.blogspot.com/

dbdubya said...

You continue to amaze us with these wonderful insights into our little town. The lighting in this photo is spectacular. The reflection on the bench, shadows, back lit leaves, power pole in the distance, and almost dark sky compliment the nicely decorated tree in the park. You have an uncanny ability to see what most of us pass by without noticing. I know this town well, but you have opened my eyes a bit more.

I wonder where the living Christmas tree will be planted.

Here's hoping you have a joyful Christmas with your family tomorrow, Laurie.

Petrea Burchard said...

Merry Christmas to you and yours, Laurie. Thanks for the sweet poem and lovely picture.

USelaine said...

Merry Christmas, dear Laurie.

Ken Mac said...

Laurie, Merry Christmas & Happy New Year! to you and yours...

-K- said...

To me, that bench seems more magical than the Christmas tree.

I hope you and your family are having a wonderful holiday.

Jane Hards Photography said...

Lovely post all round. I am araid rhe wine has kicjked in an I am incoheraant.

Merry Christmas to you and yours.

Tanya Breese said...

Merry Christmas!

Cafe Observer said...

Need some decent sleep for once, but first things first:

LA, Happy Christmas to you & de family.

Anonymous said...

Exceptional post with poetry and photography.

Merry Christmas to you and your family from Abe and Patty Lincoln.

Laurie Allee said...

My dear friends,

Thank you so much for all the warmth and wonderful commentary. A very merry Christmas to you all! May your day be filled with love and happy surprises. May everything fit perfectly and may you always have the right kind of batteries!

Til tomorrow...