New Year’s Eve, a time to cast Reflective eye on year that’s past Though it has been hard in part Yet it takes no special art To see jewels in the dark Lowly lamps that left their mark Chief, a pause in headlong rush A chance to seek, in trauma’s hush May we to ourselves be kind And now Spirit-treasure find.
In one sense strange to face New Year In depth of winter, chill and drear Yet what gems may yet appear In this cold moment’s dark nadir Lean not hard on frail will power Seek now deeper in this hour As a troubled year now pales Spirit-wind, come fill my sails.
Marvel, mystery, Christmas Eve Bustling mother, dad on leave Lamplight flicker, thickening gloom Magic in a heart finds room Wondering eyes on chimney flue Mince pie, brandy, carrot too Trusting, in the deep of night Morning will bring gifts so bright…
Bustle, rustle, gifts unwrapped Surprise, delight when fitting, apt Turkey trimmings, family feast Each one welcome, great to least Queen, then stroll, late afternoon Sofa, sun has sunk so soon Quick it passes, yet foretells A greater Feast, celestial bells.
It’s gonna be different this Christmas No matter who you are or where you will be There’s no way it can be just the usual Family, friends – and a tree.
It’s gonna be different this Christmas It may not be normal, or white Still special if we can remember In the darkness, it speaks now of light.
You may sing, pray… or you may struggle To sign up to a God up above But one thing we all have in common Is our need for connection and love.
Christmas tells us something amazing When science and philosophy pall There’s a mystery and wonder in the universe A deep love at the heart of it all.
The thing about this love at Christmas Though it’s huge and encompasses all Is God chose to reveal it to all of us By becoming both humble and small.
A baby, and though it’s so long ago That the miracle of Christmas did start It’s real and it’s present, I can know this love now Taking time, making room, in my heart.
Diwali, festival of lights, warm traditions, customs bright Rangoli, pretty coloured rice, family joy and pungent spice See the lamplight glowing there, firework whistle, crisp night air, Tasty food in ‘thali’ dish, neighbour’s greeting, loving wish Yet, can any lamp or spark, chase away an inner dark? Secret things I wish to hide, what on them can turn the tide? Is there lasting light to shine, in this troubled heart of mine? I heard a rumour, precious pearl, one known as ‘Light of the World’ Now I seek this inner light, and long to see, with purer sight.
November gloom, autumnal air Marks festivity bright and rare Ambient scenes, exquisite sights Diwali, festival of lights.
Flickering candle, lamplight glow Cosy homely warm tableau Tasty food in ‘thali’ dish Family greeting, loving wish.
What could be more apt and right Than such a reverie of light? Still, is there yet richer art A balm to soothe a troubled heart?
Every lamp and firework spark Soon will be snuffed out, go dark Show me light that will not cease To this frayed cracked heart bring peace.
Blind, I seek some inner light Fumbling, crave a greater sight Jesus, teacher, ‘Light of the world’ Let light be in me unfurled.
