When I was a child I always loved those old fashioned Christmas cards where the snow sparkled. I'd take one down and look at the Victorian scene and play the light onto the glitter. I loved the long dresses worn by the ladies, the fur capes. The cold of the snow, the yellow warmth of windows, carriage tracks in the rutted streets; it was all very 'Dickens' and demure. It was another world. Another world is always attractive when you are young. I still like cards with a bit of glitter on. It's not very eco-friendly these days. But as I was saying -- another world is always attractive. The 1950 was certainly another world!
In a 1950'S Christmas Card
I wanted to sparkle
more than anything
to be that elegant
lady descending
from a smart coach and four
on a gentleman's arm
her gloved hands extending
exuding poise and charm.
I wanted to enter the high-spired church,
and hear the choir and sing
carols to the fading light,
praises to a newborn king.
And afterwards supper
by firelight and candle-glow
behind leaded windows
safe from swirling snow,
safe from the possibility
of it becoming slush,
secure in unreality
where everything is Christmassy.
I wanted to sparkle;
