The Gentleman in Red

Both Santa Claus and Father Christmas derived in part from the Dutch Sinterklaas, or Saint Nicholas, whose day was celebrated yesterday in the Netherlands. Children there put out a clog filled with hay and a carrot for his horse the night before, an idea that appeals to me, maybe we should do this for the reindeer …

THE GENTLEMAN IN RED

we’ve seen prints
in wet earth where deer
run in pairs at night
and found a length of harness
caught in a cedar tree
high among ribbons of frost

last night an empty stocking
hung from a branch of the pear tree
beside the driveway
and I found a mandarin orange
under a rhubarb leaf

a friend hinted at presents
wrapped with tucked bows
lying on her doorstep
but I didn’t belief her
until I saw a strand of white hair
wrapped around the door knob

Frame and The McGuire – ‘… a gentle yet striking novel about the way our perception influences our judgement of others.’ Amy Mathers. For ages 8-13 … published by Tradewind Books available on Amazon or your local bookstore.

About Joanna M. Weston

Born in England, she is now living in Shawnigan Lake, BC. She is married to Robert, an accountant, and they have three sons, Andrew Jon Mark ... and two cats, Alice and Chaucer. Joanna has an MA from the University of British Columbia. She has published in numerous anthologies and in magazines in Canada, the US, UK, and New Zealand, such as Canadian Women's Studies, Convolvus, Endless Mountains Review, Grain, Green's Magazine, Prairie Fire, Spin, Wascana Review, CBC Gallery, and many more... Clarity House Press has published several of her chapbooks including: Berry and the Birthday Band (2010) One of These Little Ones (1987) – out of print Cuernavaca Diary (1990) – out of print Seasons (1993) – out of print Watch-night (2005) – out of print

View all posts by Joanna M. Weston →

2 Responses to The Gentleman in Red

oldpyjamas says:

December 7, 2016 at 6:20 pm

Another great poem, Joanna..

Did I tell you my book was out?! Haven’t actually got the print copies in my hand but they can be ordered along with ebook version from friesenpress.com /bookstore and the usual suspects i.e. Amazon iTunes etc

I will be having a launch in Mill Bay at a friend’s house either the 15th or 29 th January and would absolutely love you to be there. BTW do you know when The Focus magazine comes out? I hope you can get your hands on a copy so you can revel in your review!

I hope you have a peaceful, healthy and happy time over the Christmas season. My best Diana >

Joanna M. Weston says:

December 7, 2016 at 7:22 pm

Hi Diana. If your launch is in the afternoon I won’t be able to make it, but I’ve made a note. So pleased that your book is out. Yes, your review of ‘A Bedroom of Searchlights’ is out, in today’s issue of The Focus! So SO pleased to see it, and I am indeed reveling. And all the best to you for Christmas and the New Year! Have fun! Joanna