CHRISTMAS VESPERS
Church of St Thomas, Manhattan
Robert Trabold
Flickering candles decked with greens
church garnished by Christmas wreathes
powerful organ music touches – shakes strong gothic columns
burning incense arises – sweetens the air
light voices of boys’ choir announce good news.
Stately procession ushers us into the presence of the sacred.
Unveiling the crèche – Mary and Joseph gaze
at the little infant surrounded by straw and animals.
Angels sang in the skies that first night –
choir’s voices now repeat the good news.
Tears come to my eyes – such a longing of hope –
longing for light in a world of darkness – war!
How can we ever end the bullets that wound so many people?
bullets of words – bullets of guns!
Tears fill my eyes again – tears of hope – confidence
my hands are clutching – groping in the darkness
tears fill – touch my whole body.
Clouds of incense surround me with mystery –
mystery of light in darkness.
I sit with my tears – knowing that
my Beloved is present – hidden in the music and song.
He will not leave me along in the night – cold.
I feel the touch of his hands – helping me carry the burden.
My heart feels lighter – warmth – light of the crèche
lifts me – I stand upright.
Tags: Christmas, poem
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