Merry X-Mas/Merry Tex-Mas – Another San Antonio Solstice

Short sleeves and shorts are not out of the question
as we head in to another South Texas celebration.

A shed in Monte Vista has a rustic barbed wire wreath. Photo by Don Mathis.
A shed in Monte Vista has a rustic barbed wire wreath. Photo by Don Mathis.

I’ve got Mexican hot chocolate simmering —
River Walk lights flickering and glimmering.

Barges of school children are a welcome sight
around the river bend singing ‘Silent Night.’

And it always makes my heart glad
to hear white folks singing ‘Feliz Navidad.’

Because whatever the Mexicans here do,
the Anglos are sure to do it too!

Take tamales for instance, take ’em by the dozen.
Just about everyone has a mixed-race cousin.

Cinnamon buñuelos are another tradition
and horchata is always a welcome addition.

Many families on all sides of town
never do take their Christmas lights down.

Hipp’s Bubble Room used to advertise their interior was like the inside of a Christmas present. You could say the same about Mi Tierra. Photo by Don Mathis.
Hipp’s Bubble Room used to advertise their interior was like the inside of a Christmas present. You could say the same about Mi Tierra Cafe. Photo by Don Mathis.

They just flip a switch this time of year
for their hearts are always full of seasonal cheer.

Soul Food, Chinese, Greek and Indian –
Everybody feasts at the year’s end.

Some oak leaves fall and cypresses change color
as we end one year and begin another.

So this is the time I send you my best
and wish you Love, Peace and Joy at Christmas!

Merry Christmas and Happy Solstice!
Love, Peace & Joy — Don Mathis

Don Mathis Headshot

Don Mathis served as president of the Texoma Poetry Society in 2011 (a Sherman member of the Poetry Society of Texas). And in 2010, ‘Dionysus Don’ was crowned champion of the McKinney Poetry Slam. Don is very involved in the poetry community in Bexar County. He is a founding member of the San Antonio Poetry Fair and participates regularly with Sun Poets and La Taza writers’ group. His poetry has been published in anthologies, periodicals and has appeared on local TV and national radio. He currently works for St. Philip’s College.

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