The First Christmas
by Michael R. Burch ’Twas in a land so long ago . . . the lambs lay blanketed in snow and little children everywhere sat and watched warm embers glow and dreamed (of what, we do not know). And THEN—a star appeared on high, The brightest man had ever seen! It made the children whisper low in puzzled awe (what did it mean?). It made the wooly lambkins cry. For far away a new-born lay, warm-blanketed in straw and hay, a lowly manger for his crib. The cattle mooed, distraught and low, to see the child. They did not know it now was Christmas day! |
Chanukah Dreams
Judith Ish-Kishor Chanukah I think most dear Of the feasts of all the year. I could sit and watch all night Every twinkling baby light. Father lights the first one—green; Hope it always seems to mean; Hope and Strength to glow anew In the heart of every Jew. Jacob lights the blue for Truth. Pink for Love is lit by Ruth. Then the white one falls to me, White that shines for Purity. How the story of those days Fills my wondering heart with praise! And in every flame one sees The heroic Maccabees. |
Self-Control
by Edgar Guest When I have lost my temper I have lost my reason too. I’m never proud of anything Which angrily I do. When I have talked in anger, And my cheeks are flaming red, I have always uttered something Which I wish I had not said. In anger I have never Done a kindly deed or wise, But many things for which I felt I should apologize. In looking back across my life, And all I’ve lost or made, I can’t recall a single time When fury ever paid. |
Monarchs
Monarchs fly to Mexico. Millions flee from winter snow. Wings wink quickly to and fro as monarchs feel which way to go. They listen to a voice inside find a wave of wind to ride stay together work as one flutter firmly toward the sun. Tiny tigers trim tall trees quiver in a Spanish breeze. Confetti creatures strong and bright sleep a season rise in flight. They know what they were born to do. I’d like to be a monarch too. © Amy Ludwig VanDerwater See more of Amy's delightful poetry here: http://www.poemfarm.amylv.com/ |