It’s A Wonderful Life December 10, 2010
Posted by nrhatch in Magick & Mystery, Poetry.trackback
Every step we choose
To take along the way
Is a stepping stone
To who we are today
We often affect others
In ways not always seen
Sometimes others benefit
Just because we’ve been
Remember George and Clarence
And Mr. Potter too
George had lost all hope
And did not know what to do
Clarence let him see firsthand
The effect he had had
George’s acts of kindness
Had fostered good, not bad
Even if you don’t see it
There’s a reason you are here
Even if you are in the dark
Your path is always clear
If you listen to your heart
You will not go astray
Spirit whispers heartfelt messages
To guide you on your way
Anytime you feel despair
Think of the good you’ve done
And realize that your actions
Affect many more than one
Your actions are like ripples
When you skip a stone from shore
Your existence truly matters
At its essence and its core
Each life is a wonderful life
A vehicle of joy and cheer
We all have an impact
On people far and near
Though we may never know
Our full effect on things
Every time a bell rings . . . smile
An angel’s earned his wings
George Bailey married Mary Hatch . . . my grandmother’s name before and after she married Walter Hatch.
Related articles: It’s A Wonderful Life * Weekend Theme: Looking Back * The Name Game (TillyB)
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Spirit Lights The Way 
This kinda fits Side View’s weekend challenge of ‘looking back’ perfectly!
And . . . I had already started working on getting it ready to post BEFORE I saw her theme.
Perfect timing, Sidey!
Do you know, this film and this poem very much sum up your outlook, Nancy. I come here for my daily dose of optimism and clear-sightedness.
Thanks, Kate! I wrote it (as a song) for just those reasons . . . to sum up my philosophy of life and share a dose of optimism with others.
This was surely one of my favorite Christmas movies. I was surprised to find that when this movie came out it was not widely accepted. I’m not exactly sure why this movie did not receive the acclaim it deserved when it came out, but it has certainly proved its worth with that staying power over the years. One of the last times I saw Jimmy Stewart interviewed before his death he was asked what was the favorite movie he had appeared in. He said unquestionably it was ” It’s a Wonderful Life.” It is certainly among my favorites of his many wonderful films, but I am still partial to ” Harvey.”
Once again Nancy, you’ve pulled off a delightful poem. I am so happy to learn about your grandmother’s name! What a wonderful treat it must to watch this film and feels such a special connection, whether intentional or not, and imagine even more clearly yourself or your family as the subjects of the story. Around this time each year, and sometimes in July, I pull out my DVD of this Christmas favorite and just relax and enjoy, and then walk out to ring a few bells.
I think I’ll go out now and ring some more. Merry Christmas!
(P.S. Sonya wanted to write “Christmas favorite” as “Christmas Beirut!” – I’ve finally figured why she doesn’t always understand me! Sonya is Lebanese!)
Just proof-read the above comment (too late!) and discovered that Sonya is out of her freakin’ mind with grammatical and syntactical errors. Oh well, with her being Lebanese and all, and this being the Christmas season, I guess I’ll forgive her. . .:-D
Actually, until last year, I had completely forgotten that George Bailey married Mary Hatch in the film.
Then, BFF and I watched it together for the first time, outdoors under the stars, at a gathering for C.S.A. members.
When George said her name, I blinked in surprise, tugged on Bill’s sleeve, and whispered, “That was my grandmother’s name!”
BFF whispered back, “What was her maiden name?”
“The same ~ Mary Hatch.”
BFF wasn’t sure we had “heard” George correctly and remained “unpersuaded” about Mary’s last name until we saw it spelled out ~ there! ~ on the mailbox ~ as George went courting.
My dad’s done the geneology as far back as my great, great . . . great grandmother ~one of 19 hung as witches in Salem Massachusetts in 1692.
My grandfather, Walter Hatch, and grandmother, Mary Hatch, were distant paternal relatives of each other . . . so they both had the same last name.
Ring out those bells. 🙂
Too funny about the “lebanese” language barrier between you and Sonya. It can be frustrating to talk and not have your audience understand what you mean. 😉
I’ve seen that movie a few times. It’s worth watching many times. Thanks for the reminder. Blessings to you…
Thanks, Carol Ann.
We watched it last year “under the stars” at Geraldson Community Farm ~ the C.S.A. we belonged to ~ it was heavenly.
May all the joy of life be yours.
A wonderful movie. And a wonderful poetic summation here of the spirit behind that movie. Love it!
Thanks, Ruth
I just read your last post . . . gorgeous! 🙂
I probably shouldn’t, but here I go confessing- I’ve never seen It’s a Wonderful Life. I’ve meant to, but just haven’t. Maybe this will be the year I do- inspired by your post.
It’s a delightful film ~ a look “behind the scenes” at the effect we have on those around us and a reminder of the many blessings in our lives.
Thats no surprise to hear of your grandmother’s name 🙂 So terrible to hear of the other one though.
Yes, the events of 1692 are a black mark in the history of this country.
There is a tribute (and apology) in Salem to the 19 hung as witches ~ including my ancestor, Susannah North Martin.
The trial transcripts from the period, especially Susannah’s trial were fascinating to read, but seeing the recreated jail cells where those charged with witchcraft languished for months made me pleased to climb into a warm soft bed at night.
Did you see the TV program where Sarah Jessica Parker found out she is the descendant of the last accused witch, and that “witch” was the first to be released unharmed at the beginning of the end of that whole nightmare?
No. Missed that entirely. I’ll have to check it out on line.
Thanks, Nancy. This is lovely.
You’re welcome.
Hope your mom enjoys having all her little “angels” around her this week.