This post is part of Teagan Geneviene’s Christmas In July blog hop. https://teagansbooks.com/ #Christmastime

#ChristmasInJuly #solstice #wintersolstice

Christmas Songs
by Gerta Kennedy

Bring every child
bring each branch and stem
bent, beautiful, or wild;

bring each thirsty face
and every beast and bird
beyond the holy word
that our lady
of the snows,
lady of blue and of the rose
may affirm
earth’s whole grace.
Her embroidered hem
as she passes
will bless the worm,
bless the smallest grasses.

Bring every child
bring each branch and stem
bent, beautiful, or wild.

Turn all clocks to the wall.
Let omens appear on the skies
as our god is born again
at the turn of the year,
born into men.

Let night fall
and day rise
outside history;
outside of time
again the mystery
rises prime,
bearing its prize,
bearing its deep surprise.
Come again joy!
joy pity and mirth
come again to the earth
in deep December.

The splendors unfold,
velvet and gold,
odors of roses,
of wine.
Pity is holy
laughter’s divine.

Joy and pity
pity and mirth
Come again to the earth
for all men to remember.