The Night Before Christmas

THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS FROM OUR RESIDENT POET

THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS

The final present is wrapped with love

Then secreted away.

All possible preparations for the coming day complete,

The hectic plethora of minutiae

Of the passing weeks

Dissolve into history.

The time draws near

And we, like Shepherds, but presentless,

Set forth upon our way,

Though no star of Bethlehem to guide

But Jupiter and the Moon

Resplendent in their glory.

No sound of footsteps, but ours,

Echo on the diamond pavements.

A solitary car swooshes past -

A premature Father Christmas Intent on destination:

The presents must arrive on time

Or all is lost!

As we near our Stable,

Carriages of the Kings,

Also intent on paying homage,

Swish through the silence

Of the lamp-lit streets

The sound of voices floats jovially,

Upon the cold night air.

The light and warmth issuing through open door

Draws us, now chilled, into familiar milieu.

We quietly sit, perhaps reflecting

On times now gone,

Until the piping of the organ

Bids us be merry.

Time swiftly passes

In the sound of voices raised in praise,

Incense ascending, memories scenting,

Bells ringing and rejoicing,

Union in our shared Communion,

And The Light of the World,

A Baby, not merely terracotta,

Innocently lying in a manger.

This year, may the message of Christmas

Spread its gentle mantle over our troubled world.

From our resident poet