With Peace

silver
bells don’t ring where
he lives – chestnuts don’t roast –
He is cold, hungry and scared this
Christmas
I wish
Santa would bring a home with walls
warm – quiet – safe for him
and family
with peace

Image from Canva.com

I have written a mirror cinquain in response to Willow’s challenge for Tanka Tuesday.

I cannot understand how a rich country like America can turn its back on the poor and struggling. A 76 yr. old woman froze to death in our town two days ago. Yes, there are places she could have stayed, but she could not have brought all her belongings inside and she could not have brought in her cats. Really? Couldn’t someone have baby-sat her cats for her while she slept in warmth? I would have. Instead she froze to death, her and her cats. Help shouldn’t come with so many stiff-necked rules because people, even if they are poor and struggling, are proud and stubborn.

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Copyright ©2025 Lisa Paul. All rights reserved.

Willow is the Host of Tanka Tuesday this week. Her challenge to us: I would like you to write an Ekphrastic Poem about the photo—either how it makes you feel or what you see. Let’s concentrate on empathy and compassion. 

#TankaTuesday Poetry Challenge No. 43, Ekphrastic Poetry, 16/12/25