Christmas, 2024

Reading the New Your Times
Every day,
I am overcome sometimes
By the desire to:

“Get away from it all
This Christmas —
Run away to sea!”

Sail far away with Princess,
Azamara or Holland America —
Forget to fret! Don’t get your feet
Wet in the cold Winter rain.

But it seems to me now, it is better
Yet, to care and contribute to
Charity, both far and wide,
In war torn worlds as well as in our own.

So I say:

Stay home and sing Christmas
Carols! Yes! Rejoice and be
Transported by the glorious
Music of Cathedrals.

But alas, dwell in the heartfelt
Sermons and prayers that call for:

The cessation of war crimes,
An end to the deliberate starvation
And blockage of medical supplies,
Clean drinking water, or
Any food at all to a starving nation.

An end to the  massacre
Of many babies, mothers,
Doctors, ambulance drivers
And relief workers who risk
Their lives to be there for
Tens of thousands of
Members of humanity.

And if you can have hope, and rise
Above your abject commiseration,
Know we can help at home in some
Small way, by understanding
And easing the pain we can help
To quell in the minds and the bodies,
The spirits and souls of those who are
Suffering, both here and elsewhere.

And let that be our Christmas gift
This year, near and far, frail and
Strong and Resolute!