A tribute to Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.

 

Christmas sirens

 

I heard the bells on Christmas Day,

I saw the townsfolk cause affray,

with noses broken,

curses spoken –

peace on earth, goodwill to men?

 

Recalling, as the year unwound

the old familiar Christmas sound

of sirens’ screeching,

drunkards preaching

peace on earth, goodwill to men.

 

The ringing in my deafened ears

became a howl of screams and jeers,

all hope resigning,

undermining

peace on earth, goodwill to men.

 

Amid the mess of urban sprawl,

I saw him by the church’s wall,

in bandaged dressings,

mumbling blessings:

“Peace on earth, goodwill to men”.

 

Ignored by people, day and night,

he thanked them as they blanked his plight,

this man neglected,

still projected

peace on earth, goodwill to men.

 

He sat there with his begging-board,

a soul that knew the real reward

was kindness, spreading,

love, embedding

peace on earth, goodwill to men.

 

I gave him alms, he shook his head

and pointed to his board instead,

the words I noted

just promoted

peace on earth, goodwill to men.

 

I took his message in my heart,

determined for a fresher start,

to stop the fighting,

start inviting

peace on earth, goodwill to men.

 

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