Message To A Widow

In a small, protected inlet of the evening pond,

loud white in a strong shaft of final, flaming sun,

one swan lies on quiet water,

(not the two of daily habit),

head buried into breast,

asleep on the movement of a gentle swell.

It is as though this radiant path of sun

were heaven sent

specifically,

to sanctify,

Since I am in the holiday spirit (and, having just consumed a mug of hot toddy, a glass of eggnog and a nip of cheer, the holiday spirits are in me), I have once again decided to follow in that great tradition of boring everyone silly by writing a Christmas letter.

That is why I am pleased as punch (which I also drank) to present the following chronicle of the Zezima family, which includes Jerry, the patriarch; Sue, the matriarch; Katie and Lauren, the childriarchs; and Katie’s husband, Dave, the son-in-lawiarch. Happy reading.

Dear Friend(s):

Flying Santa

From Gazette editions of December, 1958:

WORTH A LIFETIME

Editors, Vineyard Gazette:

Better late than never.

This is just a thank you letter to all of the people who sent me well wishes, cards, flowers, and notes when I lost my sister, Eloise Downing-Allen, five years ago. I think of her every single day and still miss her dearly. Few people can appreciate what it is like to lose a sister who is also your best friend and advisor for over 70 years. Her passing devastated me, so I keep her picture by my side to this day.

We at Martha’s Vineyard Community Services are concerned about the impact of recent events in our community. Clearly the economic downturn is affecting most, if not all of us. Although Community Service does not provide financial support, we recognize that having a place and person to go to when there are concerns can be helpful. We are available to provide an ear as well as links to other services that people may find they need but don’t know how to access.

This is the time of year I miss going to church . Christmas and church always seem to go together. I was a lapsed Methodist when I retired to the Vineyard. Up until then I had had what I thought were good reasons not to go to church. I worked many Sundays and spent lots of weekends away from home. Church was low on my list of priorities. Besides, when I was young I went, you could say, religiously. I sang in the choir and taught Sunday school right through college. Then I got a life. A busy one. There wasn’t room for a lot of things.

The early onset of darkness in November is a dramatic change. I recall a parishioner from an earlier parish who suffered from depression every year during this darker time. Winter darkness has measurable effect on the way we live: whether it is (for some) a depressed feeling; taking fewer walks and jogs when you get home from work, or having to find a big flashlight to go and get the mail.

In last week’s newspaper, Vineyarders were confronted by a story of an incident involving a Martha’s Vineyard public school educator allegedly acting inappropriately, and as a result, I feel compelled to address this type of situation with the entire Island community. Let me say first that in our legal system, everyone is innocent until proven guilty; therefore, nothing I say here should be construed to indicate that I believe last week’s story details guilt on anyone’s part.

Christmas 2008

The annual December used book sale at the Chilmark Public Library will continue through the end of the year. From now through Dec. 24, everything is half price.

From Dec. 27 through Dec. 31, everything is free. The sale is held during regular library hours, as follows.

Mondays 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Tuesdays 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Saturdays 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Wednesdays Dec. 24 and Dec. 31, 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Sponsored by The Friends of the Chilmark Public Library.