Christmas

CHRISTMAS

When our planet like a lady

Tilting away from the sun

Shields her fair complexion,

Slightly dropping her chin,

Overcast skies turn balmy,

Temperate, pleasant, fair

Despite intermittent rains—

Christmas season heralded.

Christmas is here, so is joy.

Giddy euphoria springs

Not from clement weather

But from a spirit, indefatigable,

Exhilarating as sea salt air

Entering, freshly, your heart

Awash, suddenly, with

Inexplicable happiness.

Cascading water, gladsome

Songs, gathers in pools.

Gifts ready for harvest

Tarry, candies in a bowl.

Blessings of family and friends

Wreathe round the dining table.

Day is a swiftly sailing ship,

Night, glittery ice hotel.

The Christmas tale is retold—

Salvation of humanity

Born in obscurity

To a virgin, miraculously,

Husband, a peasant—

The story never tires.

Yes, the mighty are brought low,

The lowly lifted to great heights.

Originally published in The Galway Review (February 15, 2016)

Nativity (1946), detail by Evie Hone