shouldazagged
Absent Comrade
(I wrote this a year ago. In this much more troubled time, I'll try even harder to adhere to it. I urgently need a Christmas truce of my own.)
A CHRISTMAS TRUCE
At Christmas in 1914, when World War I was becoming a time of blood and terror, a strange thing happened. British and German soldiers declared a brief, unofficial truce along part of the front. They met between the lines, exchanged little tokens, and acknowledged their shared humanity. It didn't happen everywhere. It didn't last long before commanders ordered a resumption of the killing. Some who participated were punished for fraternizing. But there was enough time and gentleness for the event to have been called, ever since, the Christmas Miracle.
I am no miracle-worker. But I am declaring, for myself, a Christmas truce.
Like the troops in no-man's land, this is a painful time for me in some ways. Losses of loved ones; memories sweet and bittersweet; history of lost careers, failed marriages and lost faith; absence of people I love. It's also a time of gratitude for the fact that I'm still alive despite many reasons I shouldn't be; for the fact that I haven't gotten drunk or high or suicidal for many years; for dear friends, here and elsewhere; and for food, shelter, enough possessions, and a crazy little dog who loves me.
For at least the next thirty-six hours I will not knowingly contribute to detracting from any of that by engaging in pointless conflict, indulging in snarky exchanges, or venting my outrage about politics. I will spoil neither the justified sadness nor the even more justified joy and gratitude by allowing myself to be baited, provoked or aggravated.
Whether Christmas means anything to you or not is your business. I wish all of you peace, regardless. This truce is my gift to myself, a contribution to my own peace and acceptance of what is and what is not. I think it will be my newest Christmas tradition, for whatever years I have remaining.
Peace, pax, paix, paz, shalom, salaam, and all the others...
A CHRISTMAS TRUCE
At Christmas in 1914, when World War I was becoming a time of blood and terror, a strange thing happened. British and German soldiers declared a brief, unofficial truce along part of the front. They met between the lines, exchanged little tokens, and acknowledged their shared humanity. It didn't happen everywhere. It didn't last long before commanders ordered a resumption of the killing. Some who participated were punished for fraternizing. But there was enough time and gentleness for the event to have been called, ever since, the Christmas Miracle.
I am no miracle-worker. But I am declaring, for myself, a Christmas truce.
Like the troops in no-man's land, this is a painful time for me in some ways. Losses of loved ones; memories sweet and bittersweet; history of lost careers, failed marriages and lost faith; absence of people I love. It's also a time of gratitude for the fact that I'm still alive despite many reasons I shouldn't be; for the fact that I haven't gotten drunk or high or suicidal for many years; for dear friends, here and elsewhere; and for food, shelter, enough possessions, and a crazy little dog who loves me.
For at least the next thirty-six hours I will not knowingly contribute to detracting from any of that by engaging in pointless conflict, indulging in snarky exchanges, or venting my outrage about politics. I will spoil neither the justified sadness nor the even more justified joy and gratitude by allowing myself to be baited, provoked or aggravated.
Whether Christmas means anything to you or not is your business. I wish all of you peace, regardless. This truce is my gift to myself, a contribution to my own peace and acceptance of what is and what is not. I think it will be my newest Christmas tradition, for whatever years I have remaining.
Peace, pax, paix, paz, shalom, salaam, and all the others...
Last edited:
