December 17, 2025

 

Simplyy haaving... or dear. Um, yes, time for our 17th Hobbity Yule Calendar surprise! It's a wintry poem written by Saelo about a fireplace and Yule tree, along with an atmospheric drawing by dixALFArt.

 

 

Fireplace and Yule Tree

 

The moon was shining on the snow
And a very cold wind
From the hills to the vale
Kept its freezing blow
Among evergreens and broadleaves it was growling
And as if to answer it
Or to challenge it
In distance wolves were howling.

Yet there was untouched, a small burrow
With a bright round door
And a dim light on its window.
As if there was a spell keeping it safe from winter
Standing there without breaking before the frost
Unlike many things that would wither.

The burrow was very cozy.
A small fire was giving warmth,
Grandmother's black cat was sleeping inside,
And a majestic Yule tree was standing
With pride.

It was in a deep slumber
Perhaps was dreaming of the days
That were warm and fonder.
Hence it did not answer
When the fireplace mocked it
With slander

"Oh look!" said the fireplace again
To make sure he was heard.
"Another piece of pompous wood!
Poor fool does not know
Soon enough it will become my food!"

Without losing its composure
The Yule tree said nothing
Just stood silently
Let the crackle of the fire
Sing a sweet song
Decidedly.

"Are you afraid?
Is this why you are telling no word?"
The fireplace kept pushing
The Yule tree sighed
And the words came out gushing.

"It is not your words I am answering
But the ignorance that has taken your core
Calling me a fool,
Yet not thinking far
Forgetting what happened not in the days of yore.
You will be abandoned too 
When the weather is warm,
No one will refuge in you from a storm.
You touch hands, arms, legs
When they are freezing
Though, when hearts are cold no one finds you pleasing
People gather around me,
Sing songs, celebrate and laugh,
But I can't protect them from the cold like you,
Not even by half!
With you we are alike, as much as we are different
Hence, there is no need to be belligerent.
People care for both of us,
Perhaps longer to you than me.
You keep them warm and safe,
And I keep their hearts carefree."

Suddenly the tree stopped talking
And went back to its slumber,
The fireplace could say nothing either
But just stared in wonder.

Light appeared outside -
A new day came to the town!
Children sprang out of their beds,
Their happiness washed away
Every frown.

They rushed to the tree,
Formed a circle round it,
Danced like newborn kids,
Then bounced like rabbits.
Went out and brought some wood
The father of the house.
Lit a huge fire from the last night's remainders
And newly fetched boughs.

The fireplace looked at the Yule tree
Feeling very embarrassed.
But the Yule tree smiled in return
"Have a merry Yule!" it said.

From that day onward
The fireplace was humble
No matter how long it passed.
It never forgot that night
That changed how it see the world
Long time ago in the past.