Some of my favorite holiday moments are times when I’m off to the side, watching or hearing loved ones. My heart warms to hear my children laughing together, the gentle hubbub of cousins’ catching-up conversations, a piano playing, or, on this past Thanksgiving, two voices raised in song.
In Thanksgiving
In the living room
my brother-in-law strums his guitar
My daughter’s soprano rises,
mingles with his voice
As they sing
John Denver’s “Country Roads,”
I close my eyes
to cradle each sound
each nuance of this moment
precious and pure
In that instant
I know
I’m already
exactly
where I belong
©Molly Hogan, draft
Wishing you all warm and wonderful memory-making during this holiday season.
The Poetry Friday Roundup is hosted today by Irene Latham at her blog, Live Your Poem. Be sure to stop by and check out what’s on offer there. It’s a rich repast indeed!
Nix the comfort zone 
Yes! I’ve told my kids that I’m like the cat. I want to be nearby but not held by anyone…just listening to the sound of everyone being family. I think maybe we brought all these kids into our home just for this. Aunts, uncles, grandparents, cousins and friends all help too. Sending you big hugs for the holiday!
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I just love that you’re “like the cat.” Hope your holidays were filled with joy!
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This is such a poet thing to do, I think! We are so often the quiet observers…happy holidays, Molly! xo
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It’s funny, but I’ve never thought of it that way before! Happy New Year!
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What a love-filled moment you captured so beautifully. You are “right where you belong.” So am I.
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Aren’t we lucky!?
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To cradle each sound… what a perfect line. Merry Christmas, Molly. Love you.
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Hope you had a wonderful holiday, Judith! Love to you, too!
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Your poem so full of love fills me up inside, thanks for sending and sharing all this warmth and centering feelings! Music seems to spread magic… Happy Holidays to you and your family Molly!
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Music definitely plays a role! I hope you’ve had many warm and centered holiday moments as well. Happy New Year!
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I do the same thing, Molly… take a step away from the activity and just watch. What a joy to “hear” the sounds of family together. Happy Holidays!
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I’m a holiday eavesdropper, I guess! lol
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Here again is the listener, the observer from your read aloud post. Only by sidelining yourself are you able to record these precious memories. Your poems/writing bring you straight back to the hearts of your beloveds.
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You and Irene have me really thinking about the role of the observer. Thank you!
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You are a watcher and listener in the best sense of the words, Molly. This is lovely, the capture of a moment, like many moments I remember from years past. Happy Holidays that hold more for you!
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Hoping you had many lovely moments during your holidays, Linda!
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❤
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No truer words were ever said! You indeed were right where you belong. Thanks for taking me to your downstairs this holiday season with this poem!
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Hope you had wonderful holidays filled with just the right ingredients 🙂
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Beautiful, Molly. I can relate. Those warm, hidden moments are the best.
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