The Perfect Heart

The Perfect Heart

by Y.M. Tucker

the perfect heart began its quest to find the perfect home

around the world it wandered, ever on the roam

its splendour and its beauty, its pristine virgin state

remained intact until it met the soul of human fate

the joy upon a mother's face as she gently held her child

caused the perfect heart to swell with feelings new and wild

the shudders and tremors intensified and then the heart was torn

at the bedside of a little girl whose family prepared to mourn

an Afghan woman's disfigured face slashed the heart once more

but it revived as strangers came to help the homeless poor

the scars of life then marked the heart, its size and shape had altered

yet still it sought the perfect place, its search never faltered

beneath the glow of a heavenly star, in a humble stable stall,

a baby lay on a bed of straw, a gift of hope for all

battered and pierced yet full of love for present, future and past

the perfect heart had finally found its perfect home at last

What Really Matters

We sure know how to mess up a good thing, don't we? People get so caught up in insignificant little details and self-righteousness that they allow themselves to become as close-minded and obtuse as the ones with whom they have a difference of opinion. The latest pile of nonsense making the rounds of the hogwash circuit is a dispute over the skin color of Jesus, Santa Claus, and St. Nicholas. Who cares? How could the skin pigmentation of either of these messengers of harmony and goodwill possibly change one iota of earth's past, present or future? If humankind is made in the image of God, as related in the Book of Genesis, then He/She must be multi-colored. Wouldn't that be lovely to see!

Christmas is a gift. The spirit of this blessed season is one of love, joy, hope, peace, tolerance, compassion, kindness, forgiveness, generosity, acceptance, reconciliation...... It's not a competition of race or creed. Christians, Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus and any other denomination – yes, even atheists – can all benefit from a healthy dose of that magical elixir so freely dispensed by the bounteous Ghost of Christmas Present in Dickens' classic story.

As a Christian, I commemorate the coming of Jesus Christ at this time of the year. The actual date of his birth is immaterial - it's the celebration of that event that's significant. Amidst the frigid darkness of barren winter, the light of love brings warmth and joy to my heart and home.  Exchanging gifts and happy greetings adds to the spirituality of the occasion. I admit to being slightly miffed upon repeatedly hearing Happy Holidays or Seasons Greetings instead of the traditional Merry Christmas, but I get the fact that social and political correctness are currently in vogue. It's all just a matter of perspective. The underlying expression of benevolence remains the same.

So, while the antagonists of this world play their silly games I refuse to be drawn into such vacuity. I will happily accept your offering of Happy Holidays or Seasons Greetings if you will allow me the same courtesy as I wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas. To quote Tiny Tim, “God bless us, everyone.”