On a leaf-golden evening in early November
We take up the call to ‘remember, remember’
Trio of gunpowder, treason and plot
(If you’re worried I’ll say the whole poem, worry not)
Still, it’s amazing how we annually show up
To remember a man who tried parliament – to blow up
With twelve other plotters, Guy Fawkes was in league
‘Twas a veritable hotbed of vice and intrigue
Makes sense to be thankful their bad scheme was foiled
(If nowt else it meant Bonfire night isn’t spoiled)
Two short reflections, this happening ignites
A duo of thoughts from this noisiest of nights
The first: far from harming folk who get in your way
I’m reminded of Jesus’ words: ‘for your enemies, pray’
There are sackfuls of peace, and a decrease in stress
When those who ill-treat us – we promise to bless
Second, in the fireworks that light up the sky
I see something of the beauty of God, by and by
As across inky black, phoenix patterns they trace
In my mind’s eye they mirror the beauties of grace
And like a love message, in letters of fire
Their shapes in the darkness astound and inspire

Audio poem for BBC local, Premier Christian and community radio

Image by free stock photos from www.picjumbo.com from Pixabay