Holiday Cheer |
***Holiday Hope*** |
Elizabeth
Moderator
Member Ascendant
since 1999-06-07
Posts 6871Minnesota |
The snow had freshly fallen and the stars above shone bright Against the darkened sky that bitter winter's night. I walked outside all by myself, the wind bit at my face, And I wondered how on Earth could I ever find God's grace. Well, the weather was just perfect for this season of good will Towards men, but of man's hatred I had truly had my fill. I walked and walked around, but still I could not find A bit of sense for day's events to bring me peace of mind. And so back inside I wandered, ny heart heavy as a stone- The hurt and fear and anger had not dulled, but rather grown. I opened up the side door, warm air hit me like a load, And closed my eyes to shield them from the light of my abode. From distance in the frosty air I heard a Christmas song And knew that wand'ring carolers would come to me ere long. Not in the mood for Christmas cheer, I prayed that they would skip My humbel home and pass on to the next house on their trip. The prayer it was not answered, for I heard the doorbell ring I opened wide the door and the group began to sing A song of Christmas bells, of good will toward men and peace On Earth-and then, in wonder, I felt my anger cease. A sense of calm came o'er me like a sweet and peaceful dove I knew hurt and hate could not prevail, instead it would be love That would reign over us at Christmas, as had been done before. The carolers had now finished; they went on, I closed my door. I looked out at the soft white snow, above the stars shone bright, The carolers' song had calmed me, I knew things would be all right. 12-16-99 < !signature--> Nail to the mast her holy flag, Set every threadbare sail- And give her to the god of storms, The lightning and the gale! -Oliver Wendell Holmes [This message has been edited by Elizabeth (edited 12-16-1999).] |
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© Copyright 1999 Elizabeth A. Larson - All Rights Reserved | |||
Poet deVine
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-26
Posts 22612Hurricane Alley |
What a great poem to read at the end of a hectic day! I sure needed this! And it reminds me of the one time I went caroling in the Michigan snow...our school choir went out one night and we had more fun together! Some of the people wanted to invite us in - there were 40 of us! Then we went back to the school for cookies and hot chocolate! Thanks for bringing back this memory for me! |
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Elizabeth
Moderator
Member Ascendant
since 1999-06-07
Posts 6871Minnesota |
Of course PdV! Sure sounds like fun-I haven't gone caroling or sung in choir in ages. Well, thank yo for reading and for your comment. Nail to the mast her holy flag, Set every threadbare sail- And give her to the god of storms, The lightning and the gale! -Oliver Wendell Holmes |
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WhtDove Member Rara Avis
since 1999-07-22
Posts 9245Illinois |
I loved this! I could just picture it, and what a calm you've brought over me too! Thanks Elizabeth! <*\\\>< Jesus is the reason for the season |
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Denise
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-08-22
Posts 22648 |
Well, I must say, Elizabeth, this was certainly worth the wait! How beautiful! This is Christmas Classic quality! Very well done, my friend! Denise |
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Pepper Member Elite
since 1999-08-19
Posts 3079Southern Florida |
Elizabeth...this is a Wonderful piece I agree with Denise....definetly "Christmas Classic quality"!! A soul that writes from the heart and shares it, truly gives a gift extraordinaire! |
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Elizabeth
Moderator
Member Ascendant
since 1999-06-07
Posts 6871Minnesota |
WhtDove-I am glad of the effect it had and that you enjoyed it! Denise-thank you very much, my friend! Pepper-thanks you too, my friend! Merry Christmas everyone! Nail to the mast her holy flag, Set every threadbare sail- And give her to the god of storms, The lightning and the gale! -Oliver Wendell Holmes |
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sandgrain Member Elite
since 1999-09-21
Posts 3662Sycamore, IL, USA |
Amen to all previous replies. a real joy to be able to share your work. |
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Elizabeth
Moderator
Member Ascendant
since 1999-06-07
Posts 6871Minnesota |
Why, thank you, Sandgrain...glad to be able to share in your work as well. Nail to the mast her holy flag, Set every threadbare sail- And give her to the god of storms, The lightning and the gale! -Oliver Wendell Holmes |
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Elizabeth
Moderator
Member Ascendant
since 1999-06-07
Posts 6871Minnesota |
True story, guys...just bumping up this one along with other Christmas poems. Elizabeth |
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Dopey Dope
Moderator
Member Patricius
since 2000-08-30
Posts 11132San Juan, Puerto Rico |
This is great! I was born myself, raised myself, and will continue to be myself. The world will just have to adjust. I hate your socks. I'd like to burn them! |
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Elizabeth
Moderator
Member Ascendant
since 1999-06-07
Posts 6871Minnesota |
Thanks for your comment Dopey. Elizabeth |
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BSC
Moderator
Member Elite
since 2000-02-04
Posts 2919New York, USA |
A beautiful Christmas treasure Elizabeth ~ I could feel the peace... Bonnie |
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Startime Member Ascendant
since 2000-10-03
Posts 5918Canada |
Bravo!!The spirit of Christmas shines through this poem bringing a softness to my own heart. I have a Christmas forum at my poetry site and would love to invite you to post your wonderful Christmas poems there. Just click on the Christmas Forum listed on the left of the screen. I look forward to seeing you there. http://path2riches.com |
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LoveBug
Moderator
Member Elite
since 2000-01-08
Posts 4697 |
The power that music has on us is amazing, isn't it? It works the best this time of the year. You do a great job of describing it. Thanks for posting! "Where there is great love there are always miracles" -Cather "Love heals everything, and love is all there is"- Zukav |
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Elizabeth
Moderator
Member Ascendant
since 1999-06-07
Posts 6871Minnesota |
Bonnie~thank you, I'm glad you could feel it. Startime~thanks for reading, and for the invitation...I'll check it out. LoveBug~thanks to you as well, music does have an awful lot of influence on us doesn't it? Elizabeth |
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BloomingRose Member Elite
since 2000-08-09
Posts 3092Florida |
I love the title. When I read the poem and thought of how life can pull us down, yet how quickly peace can abound when we open our hearts, I felt myself surrender to the sweetness this poem suggest. Loved it. Deb |
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warmhrt Senior Member
since 1999-12-18
Posts 1563 |
Beautiful...just beautiful, Liz. You certainly have captured one of the moments of the holidays here perfectly. Kris All good poetry is the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings...~William Wordsworth |
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Suzanne Arlene Member
since 2000-10-09
Posts 377Ontario, Canada |
That was a beautiful poem. Put me in a Christmas mood. It is a great time of year i think.Thank you for sharing it Suzanne |
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