When the sun is just right in December
and you’re walking around the block in your old neighborhood
(where you grew up)
you’ll see boxes that give wings to words,
woodland animals visiting for a season
(or longer)
and magical beasts considering flight to parts unknown.
You may see things that are lost
not quite right
or deeply unsettling.
When the sun is just right in December
and you’re walking around the block in your old neighborhood
(where you grew up)
it’s funny how a deflated Rudolph can break your heart
while a lamppost nearby promises light
*
Deep in December, it’s nice to remember…
December 18, 2022 at 5:46 am
I never knew he sang. This absolutely made my deep in December Sunday morning here in the dark watching the fire. Thank you.
December 18, 2022 at 12:16 pm
He had a whole career on Broadway before Law & Order – I’m so amazed by that!! Thank you for being in touch. Xoxo
December 18, 2022 at 6:35 am
The Fantasticks! Wonderful addition to this post.
December 18, 2022 at 12:18 pm
Hi Brent! YES!! There’s such a tenderness in the way he sings this. Xoxo
December 18, 2022 at 6:36 am
This post is a gift. Merry Christmas – Patricia
December 18, 2022 at 12:18 pm
Merry Christmas, dear Patricia! Xoxo
December 18, 2022 at 6:57 am
I’m remembering! Thanks for the photos, comments, and music! Merry Christmas!!!
December 18, 2022 at 12:19 pm
And to you, Betsy Jane! I’m so glad you enjoyed! Xoxo
December 18, 2022 at 7:50 am
Thanks. A great way to start my morning. Love that song.
December 18, 2022 at 12:21 pm
It’s a little bit elusive, the meaning of that song… part of what makes it so powerful, I think. Thank you for being in touch, Shawn! Xoxo
December 18, 2022 at 7:57 am
What a wonderful reflection.
Thanks for sharing and Merry Christmas.
December 18, 2022 at 12:21 pm
Thank you so much, Bonnie! Merry Christmas! Xoxo
December 18, 2022 at 8:26 am
A beautiful post that made me smile and tear up (in a good way). Thanks as always, Jennifer. Happy holidays!
December 18, 2022 at 12:35 pm
That’s the highest compliment you could give me, Sara. Happy Holidays to you as well! Xoxo
December 18, 2022 at 8:43 am
Thank you, Jennifer. The photographs, the poetry, and the song made for the perfect start to the day as I drank my morning coffee
December 18, 2022 at 12:31 pm
I love to think of you beginning your Sunday morning with Bacon and coffee, Jack! Xoxo
December 18, 2022 at 9:02 am
So lovely and thoughtful, as always. We sang that song in our high school chorus and we kind of butchered it with the word “follow (follow, follow, follow)” in a three-part round! That’s what I remember. Merry Christmas, friend.
December 18, 2022 at 12:27 pm
I think most versions I’ve heard have been butchered by all those follows! His rendition is the loveliest I’ve heard. So nice to hear from you, Dallas! Merry Christmas to you as well, friend. Xoxo
December 18, 2022 at 9:17 am
When I wake up in the middle of the night and a Law and Order episode is on, I’m always happy! Especially when Jerry Orbach is in it. And now to see him young and singing! Wonderful!
December 18, 2022 at 12:26 pm
I think I’ve seen every Law and Order Jerry Orbach was in.. at least 3 times. Seeing him young and in such tender and strong voice really touched me as well… xoxo
December 18, 2022 at 11:00 am
That’s one of my favorite songs and the photos put all the yard decorations in a different, delightful light (perhaps it is the sun) Thank you for this Christmas gift!
December 18, 2022 at 12:25 pm
The sun made everything sparkle that day on my walk. Sending love, Marina! xoxo
December 18, 2022 at 12:28 pm
Dear Jennifer, What a powerful experience you created for us today! Your amusing words and photos gently dovetail with Jerry Orbach’s tender performance. Thanks for the reminder that we always have the opportunity to look at our personal history with love.
December 18, 2022 at 12:36 pm
Elizabeth, you have put into words something I was having trouble articulating… thank you. It is such a pleasure to hear from you… xoxo
December 18, 2022 at 12:43 pm
Hi, Jennifer! Thank you for the reminder of that beautiful song from the archives of my memory! I have now listened to the original and three other versions 🙂 So enjoyed it along with the post. All the best this season! XO
December 18, 2022 at 12:55 pm
Hi ML! I listened to a lot of versions yesterday too haha! Sending very warmest wishes for a joyful season! Xoxo
December 18, 2022 at 11:40 pm
A lovely walk on a familiar path at a special time of year…a perfect Sunday reflection. Thanks for bringing back some heart warming memories of my own. I remember. ❤️
December 22, 2022 at 6:17 am
Merry Christmas, dear Shane! Thank you for being in touch! Xoxo