Christmas Round Robins (IP)

By Rhiannonw

Mon, 17 Nov 2014
  • 2573 reads
10 comments
 

Like a face-book page it may get trite,
artificial, trivial, and sounding over-bright,
how much to say? should keep it brief,
and remember some recipients
may be struggling with grief,
but may still like to know just a little of your joys,
and have a hint about your troubles too,
so they know you’d empathise with theirs,
feel less alone
in the ups and downs this year they’ve known,
may be a bit encouraged
that you’ve persevered through thick and thin
and aren’t pretending everyone
should wear an easy grin.
They’re pleased about your joyful times,
can sympathise with trials, maybe will pray,     
and know that you’ll reciprocate
when reading what they say:

so do be sure to try to stop
your Robin rubbin’,
feathers ruffling
in an irritating way.

[IP:Round Robin]

 

Certificate U
Poem
Families
Inspiration Point (work that responds to our weekly writing cue)

Comments

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

I look at those round robin letters that circulate mostly at Christmas with mixed feelings and a warped sense of humour. I am tempted to write: 'Here are our latest news, some bad and some good; our Wayne, who is serving four years for burglary, has had his sentence reduced for good conduct...' Cause for celebrations, would you say? Whatever your views, Rhiannon, you have given a good account of that custom with your usual eloquence.

Luigi yes.

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

! Thanks, Luigi, I've seem some similar parodies around, too and can sympathise, while realising that some friends just don't know the best way to select, and condense, and not cause irritation or jealousy, that is probably totally unitended. Nice to keep in touch, but much wisdom needed if duplicating a Robin! Rhiannon

 

Submitted by VeraClark on

Not a fan of round robins. They grate on all my irritated bits. Like the careful consideration you've given it Rhiannon - you would be a thoughtful Round Robin-er and a burning hearth fire with fluffy jumpers would not feature. Luigi - really made me laugh! 

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Thanks, Vera. Luigi's illustration did make me laugh too. Nice to receive news, but it can get a bit much, and, yes, can irritate - and 'rub in' on  the touchy bits! Rhiannon

 

Submitted by Bee on

Your poem is well thought through. And good advice, too. 

Bee

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Glad you thought so, Bee. Thanks. Rhiannon

 

Submitted by jeand on

Hi Rhiannon

I would guess from your poem, that you write Round Robin Christmas letters. I sort of do - but as I do them on the computer, each one is fairly short and personalised for the recipient - so hopefully they don't know it is a basic format. 

Jean

Jean Day

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

that sounds nice, Jean. As we're in printing, we've tended to make our own cards for some time, and put on a family (or part of family) photo, so recently I've tried to put a very brief update/interest note printed on the inside, but it takes some thinking. We can leave it off some of them, or add a bit by hand, but they can't be totally individualised. I always find things in a rush Christmas time and wish I'd started earlier. My husband always gets a lot of extra printing work/help for others to do too! and this year we've got a few days off soon, with my mother-in-law having a respite week, so I hope it will get done, and have a reasonably nice note inside! Rhiannon

 

Submitted by Silver Spun Sand on

Hi there, Rhiannon.  An enjoyable, tongue in cheek look at Round Robins.  They are a mixed blessing, I always feel. 

Thank you for making me smile on a grey daysmiley

Tina

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Hi, Tina, and thank you. Glad I gave you a smile. We have had a bit of lovely sunshine imbetween the greyness here. I suppose  Robins are often done in a bit of a rush, and as you imply, nice to get news, but the generalness of readership needs thought. Rhiannon