Champagne Stories and Forgotten Shadows

Reading @wakeupkitty's recent post My goal for today is.... reminded me that it takes real courage to speak the truth about the reality.

For some of us, the holidays only deepen the gap. While one party celebrates, the festivities cut deep into the flesh of others.

On ordinary days, we may be able to tune out the world's indifference if we try hard enough, but festive seasons turn that quiet isolation into an unbearable level of noise.

When I see people clinking glasses in their splendid surroundings, I can't help but wonder: is that joy genuine, or is it just a show?

Does our misery serve as the dark backdrop that makes their light seem brighter?

I don't hate the season itself; in fact, I hope that one day I will be able to celebrate it with the right attitude and a peaceful state of mind.

What I detest is the bad experience of dealing with a few bad eggs - those whose condescending and imposing behaviors make things difficult for me, not to mention the social friction they create.

This brings me back to a piece I wrote in 2023. It's a reminder that while years pass, the world hasn't changed, and neither has the sentiment.

Photo by Anne Nygård on Unsplash

in the tiny hand
of the little match girl
the glow from the match
flickered a whispered wish
for just a taste of warmth
behind those grand window

you are basking
in luxury
celebrating
your fine life

while others
are barely living it
in the squalor

unwrapping
presents
in festive delight
laughter echoes
in your splendid abode

while others
are holding
themselves tight
to keep warm
in their tattered threads
crying tears of blood

you are surrounded
by your loved ones
in warm embrace

while loneliness
is their only respite
all alone estranged
from those around them

you raise your glass
of champagne
in merriment high
while others drink
from their cup of despair

the tales of contrast
it’s celebration for you
but it’s a haunting blight
for them
having it all
and having none at all
are two worlds
far apart

Never forget, there’s others out there in the cold

©Britt H.

Thank you for reading this.

More about the person behind the writing in My Introductory Post