Summer Blossoms

We scan the autumn trees

Watching falling leaves

As they linger for a while

Pausing like a smile

On the lips of lovers

They dance on bare branches

Before taking their chances

Tumbling to the ground

Silent, not a sound

Joining others there below

Their flourishing will remain

In memories of the same

Young leaves of spring

Now lost until that thing

We call winter is gone and past

Then in our minds eye

Casting looks into the sky

We see our lost

Understand the cost

Our tears, our love for the summer blossoms

Stairs

I’m 

      Not

            Going 

                       Down

                                  There 

                                             It’s dark

It’s ok, my boy, I’m right here and mummy is downstairs waiting. Just walk between us.

No! 

I’m 

      Not 

             Going 

                         Down 

                                    There

                                              It’s dark

You’ll be fine, I promise. Trust me, nothing will get you. You’re safe.

No!

I’m 

     Not

           Going

                     Down

                               There

                                          It’s dark

Ok, I’ll go down with you. Take my hand and we’ll go together. 

But

      When

                We

                     Go

                         Down

                                    It

                                        Will

                                                Still be dark

Yes, but I’ll be beside you

Yes

I’m glad my father doesn’t ask me to go into the darkness alone. I’m always braver when I know he’s next to me.

Advent Message

 There seems to be so much darkness at the moment. I can’t remember another year quite like this one. Over the last couple of months the news has been a procession of sadness and fear. As we approach Advent i’m certainly on board with its themes of longing for hope and looking for the coming light.

In the face of atrocities which have suddenly and unexpectedly affected the lives of so many innocent and ordinary people I have found myself being reminded of the temporary nature of our time on this Earth in the starkest of ways. However, as a follower of Christ I know that however overwhelming the darkness may seem we are never without hope. 

‘All the darkness in the world cannot extinguish the light of a single candle.’ – This quote, found in ‘The Little Flowers’ a collection of works by St Francis of Assisi reminds us that even in the most difficult of times we are not left totally desolate. As we consider the quote further we realise that quite to the contrary, it is in the moments of greatest darkness that the light which remains seems at it’s brightest as it stands in contrast to all its surroundings. 

I am, of course, looking forward to Christmas but that’s not the only exciting event this December. This month will also see the release of a new Star Wars film. I loved the original trilogy and am thrilled that my son, Owen has now discovered them in a big way! One of my favourite parts of the original trilogy was always the wisdom of the old Jedi master Yoda. Perhaps a quote of his stands as a good response to the climate of fear certain groups would seek to create, ‘Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering.’

 

Let us not be drawn into further division by the prevalent darkness of recent events but strive in all things to find a greater sense of ‘oneness’. This year as we journey together through the promise of Advent there may be for us a heightened sense of longing in our preparations. As we strive to make ready for the coming light may we be ready to reflect that light further into our broken world.

I wish you peace as you prepare once more to welcome Christ this Christmas.