I
smile a sad smile
Outside there is gaiety for all to see
Inside
my heart my soul speaks gently to me
Conjuring up images of times
gone by
Dear ones with whom so much time was shared
Now no longer here, yet somehow present and saying so much to me
I reflect on the character I am, the type I want to be, the person I need to be
So much escapes me in my daily life, so many things I need to embrace
Reflection is a precious gift at this time of year
The bells jingle, the angels sing, the young ones beam a smile of wonder
And I see a glimpse of light which penetrates deep
Deeper and deeper, its energy transforming to words
‘’Stay close to your fellow man, closer than close can be
Realise your chore is your blessing
And look out that paned window in different mood
Knowing that time to come is of our making and in our hands
May Christmas time be a time of sound reflection and joyous intent
Let the God above bless one and all.’’
I smile a knowing, happy, determined smile
Personal take
Christmas is not always all it is cracked up to be. After all it does fall in Europe in the middle of winter, and for we Europeans it would seem a little unfair to celebrate the festivity in a damp squib of a mood.
We are told that Jesus Christ was born on Christmas Day, and, even if difficult at times in this consumeristic world of ours, we are told to celebrate the coming of the Saviour. Yet, for many the time is a sad and reflective one. 25ths of December of past years are easy to recall, times when families were together, lovers would embrace, children would giggle and gaze in wonder.
Times move on, circumstances change, people grow and transform, relatives pass away. For many Christmas becomes a time to dread, the cold snap of winter imitating their broken hearts, something inside of us forcing us to look back and mourn the past and douse the flame of future prospect.
This is what the poem is about, and it risks cascading into a well of snakes and spiders. Yet, it is the very symbols of Christmas, the bells, the angels, the young ones, which spark a glimpse of light penetrating deep. All is not never-ending melancholy and one can look forward to the New Year of renewed hope. The four tenets of RAW, those of reflection, hope, inspiration and love seem to come together in a very simple manner.