1420

So what does this year promise as I sit

In contemplation on the train to Stafford

For a family party and a chance

To catch up with those we seem to know

Only through facebook or the odd

Skype appearance at Christmas or New Year.

Some more long distance walks, the Arun Isles?

Well maybe if the knees and legs hold out;

More likely the odd days across the Downs

With ever longer pub-stops and the excuse

That getting out at all is worth the risk

Of injury to hip or a slipped disc.

But this is incidental when the truth

Is laughing at me even as I plan

My life, as if I had the means to nudge

Events to go the way they ought to be

Rather than accept that everything

Is far beyond my reason or control.

Brian Hick December 2014

©copyright Sally Hick 31.12.25

 1419

Christmas is here; the cards all tell the story

And decorations fill the empty space

Where day by day the Christ-child and his glory

Should radiate his peace throughout the place;

But even as we sing the shepherd's tale

With angels bringing light to all the earth

The violence of man seems to prevail

And no one cares what single lives are worth.

Sing then, sing aloud for all to hear

Overcome the cries of sin and pain,

Purge away the terror and the fear

For Christ is born in Bethlehem again.

Brian Hick December 2014

©copyright Sally Hick 15.12.25

 1418

Morgentraum

A Christmas wedding; the church is all abuzz

With friends who have not been in touch for years

Relatives who hardly ever speak

And youngsters who will soon resort to tears

If they have to wait much longer for the bride

Who comes, at last, allaying maternal fears.

And then before the organ's echoes fade,

It's done, and they are married, to a cheer

From all their friends and soft knowing smiles

Of satisfaction from those who came to hear

Continuation of an ancient rite

Confirming married love from year to year.

The church is silent, only the flowers remain

As witness to love's everlasting flame.

Brian Hick December 2014

©copyright Sally Hick 2.12.25