These Are My JOTtings, Part #2

Jadis' Effect

These days of winter have the touch
of Jadis on the side.
This Christmas knew not snow so much,
but now it's Jadis' pride.

So much of snow, so much of ice,
the breezes keep it cold.
No holiday to make it nice.
We count the fingers told.

Oh, Narnia whence have we lost
the days of Aslan's Grace?
The frigid bitings' awful cost,
less decorations' place.

How swift the cyclone's bony "hands"
may swirl the snow o'er us!
How fragile humans' tenuous plans
go down without a fuss!

How chilly, dank the Tumnus cave
serves up his cup of tea!
Can weary pilgrims shun the grave,
from Jadis Queen be free?

The Greatest Present Christmas Day
is opened on the morn,
the third from Calv'ry's great dismay,
whence New Birth's finally born.

There Jadis' chilly, painful bite
made bound in ever chains
becomes the squeaky, mousy sight,
all bowed as Jesus reigns.

The One, Who binds Creation's whole
will get us through this chill.
For in Christ's image is His Goal,
conformed to His Great Will.

by Jay O’Toole
on January 29th, 2026