December 11: Inspiration, Paul Muldoon, "Truce"

Another day, another Christmas poem.  This one comes from Paul Muldoon and is about a Christmas truce that happened on the battlefield during World War I.  German, English, Russian, and French soldiers getting together on December 24 to celebrate.  It's one of my favorite Christmas stories, and it's the basis of one of my favorite Christmas movies--Joyeux Noel.

Still haven't come up with an idea for my Christmas poem.  I'm definitely going to work on it tonight.  Do some free writes.  Try to find a little inspiration.  Paul Muldoon.  Lisel Mueller.  Maybe some Robert Frost.

Saint Marty doesn't discriminate when it comes to his muses.

Truce

by:  Paul Muldoon

It begins with one or two soldiers
And one or two following
With hampers over their shoulders.

They might be off wildfowling

As they would another Christmas Day,
So gingerly they pick their steps.

No one seems sure of what to do.

All stop when one stops.

A fire gets lit.
Some spread
Their greatcoats on the frozen ground.

Polish vodka, fruit and bread
Are broken out and passed round.

The air of an old German song,
The rules of Patience, are the secrets
They'll share before long.

They draw on their last cigarettes

As Friday-night lovers, when it's over,
Might get up from their mattresses
To congratulate each other
And exchange names and addresses.

Joyeux Noel

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