Poetry list, Christmas, Latest works, 2026 ~ Rough Places Plain
Christmas customs
our customs are
strong can they
contain the
child born as
contraband to
the powers and
traditions of
conformity
control
complacency
convenience
his birth is
found today
in the manner
of his death
outside the
safety of the
fortified walls
of our hearts
claiming a
wealth of joy
that bankrupts
our possessions
yet promises
us more and
for ever a
heartbeat a
way in the
face of the
unlovely
and unloved
© Neil Thompson 2026