Poem/prose about sorrow and joy. The miracle of birth in the midst of despair. |
Sorrow and Celebration She trudged thru snow Feet like ice Eyes down, shoulders hunched She moved on Past red and green lights Coloring the snow Thru carols and songs Whispering on the breeze Tattered shirts layered Upon thin shoulders Wind tugging, whipping thru Skirt covered ragged jeans Silent tears sparkling On lowered lashes Cheeks red and bruised From the biting winds Passing thru the holiday Untouched, unnoticed Finding a dark way Silent and far away Slow silent steps In virgin snow Moonlight turning the countryside Into a winter wonderland Faltering, stumbling Yet never stopping Blue fingers clutched Tight across swollen stomach Snow dusted shoulders Trembling, shivering Silent snow falling Kissing bruised cheeks Sparkling flakes adding Beauty to the unkempt figure Easing thru the deepening snow Feet numb, legs heavy Forward ever forward Lost and alone Thru curtains of white Into the light and warmth Falling to her knees As hands reach out Gathered close Carried on A beacon in the night Lighting the way Pain wracked body Shaking violently Warmth chasing away The chill, the loneliness Cozy blankets, hot cider Soothing away the last of the cold Gentle hands peeling Each layer off Warm clothe bathing flesh Blue white with cold Ripples traversing Swollen belly Shuddering, moaning Scared, confused Sweet comforting voices Singing gentle carols Soft rainbows of light Playing across clean flesh A scream, a cry As jingling bells fill the air Eyes bright gazing with wonder On the miracle of this night So tiny and warm Suckling at her swollen breast Music of laughter and joy Filling the air Gaily wrapped packages Passing from hand to hand Gifts piling high about her Surrounding her with color Spices and wonderful smells Of love and tenderness They told her once No one would care She believed, she knew But now the truth is out Goodness and love Will always find Those lost and alone Without and within Miracle of life Miracle of love Celebrated each year |