By adewpearl
May the joy that comes with Christmas
be with you every day.
And may our calls for peace on earth
bring peace without delay.
May your wishes be sprinkled
with fairy dust
that makes them all come true,
especially the ones you wish
that aren't just for you.
May Christmas dreams be realized
for each child rich or poor,
and may the Christmas spirit
be with us evermore.
By adewpearl
| Author Note: | for those who seek peace |
Speak with softened voices, hushed in prayer
Till all that's left is tranquil gratitude.
Inviolate, these words of praise so rare,
Live in sacred, soundless quietude.
Linger as sweet stillness fills the air.
See the swaddled babe in silence sleep.
Tarry on the outskirts of the crowd.
Innocence, this night, I ask you keep.
Learn the lessons best heard with heads bowed.
Love is placid, deferent and deep.
Search your souls for warmth against the chill.
Trace a path that ends beneath the star.
Inward will you find the strength and will,
Lying in the quiet of your hearts.
Listen to the stillness, listen still.
| Author Notes | Still, Still, Still is an Austrian Christmas carol. The first words are Still, still, still, He sleeps this night so chill! I hope to post a new Christmas acrostic each Sunday of Advent, beginning with this quiet one and building to more "noisy" and joyous poems as Christmas approaches. |
By adewpearl
Slumber not, great news is coming -
Listen to angelic song.
Evil will be soon succumbing
Ere the chill of night is gone.
Preparations in your heart make -
Everyone be made aware.
Radiant Child has come for our sake,
Serving as God's gift so rare.
Waken as the choirs surround you,
Asking you to pay them heed.
Know the good news they spread is true,
Ending days of desperate need.
Alleluia, join the chorus -
Voices sing sweet Baby's praise.
On this day He's been born for us,
Innocent in all His ways.
Choose to spread this joyous message -
Everyone, let it be told,
All who once lived life discouraged,
Son of God we now behold.
These, our Father's words astound us,
Our world gifted with His grace.
Unto us, full-throated chorus
Name Him Christ in humble place.
Dedicate yourselves to caring,
Search your hearts to displace need.
Use God's gifts in generous sharing,
Start this day to live God's creed.
| Author Notes |
The challenge in this contest is to create a Christmas Acrostic. I chose "Sleepers, Wake!" A Voice Astounds Us, an Advent hymn in the Presbyterian hymnal that uses as its inspiration Matthew 25:1-13. The tune was composed by Johann Sebastian Bach in 1731, and the words date to 1599.
The lyrics are not really about the nativity. I've used the title to tell about the nativity simply because it appeals to me. |
By adewpearl
| Author Note: | Third Sunday in Advent Acrostic |
Drum upon the timpani
Immense our jubilation
No more restless souls have we
Go forth in celebration
Dance around the stable floor
Oh hear the bells a-ringing
News like nothing heard before
Gives substance to our singing
May you join our joyous throng
Each child of God's creation
Raise your voices loud and strong
Reach out to every nation
Infant born this sacred night
Lifts hardened hearts from sorrows
Yesterdays of fear and flight
O'er-turned by bright tomorrows
Not melancholy nor despair
Has place at our glad table
In merriment we doff our care
God's grace has made us able
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
By adewpearl
| Author Note: | Merry Christmas to all |
Arid lands cried out in thirst,
Now refreshed by rainclouds' burst.
Grief-struck hearts with no belief,
Embraced now by blessed relief.
Lambs once left to go astray,
Saved by One who guides their way.
Weary traveler, without bed,
Enter here, find rest, be fed.
Hear God's trumpeters announce
Absolution; sin renounce.
Vanquished be your doubts and fear,
Each one who has gathered here.
Heavens fill with angels' praise,
Everyone glad voices raise.
Alleluia is our song,
Ring brass bells the whole night long.
Declare now the death of wrong.
Organs in full volume play,
Naz'reth's son is born today.
Happiness o'er all our land,
Infant Child of God made man.
Glorious this night will be,
Held in hearts through history.
| Author Notes | This fourth Sunday in Advent acrostic uses the title of the Christmas Carol Angels We Have Heard on High. I have enjoyed writing this series of poems and wish you all a most blessed Christmas! I am posting it early as it occurs to me that by Sunday many people may no longer be reading Fan Story until after the holidays! |
By adewpearl
A is for the angel atop the Christmas tree
B is for the baby boy the shepherds came to see
C is for the carols we sing in celebration
D is for the dark dispelled by God of all creation
E is for Emmanuel, so long ago foretold
F is for sweet frankincense, a gift as great as gold
G is for the gladsome news God's people long had sought
H is for the heavenly host by whom the news was brought
I is for the great "I am," Divinity on Earth
J is for the joy He spread from moment of His birth
K is for the King of Kings He'd come to be proclaimed
L is for His lowly start, no cause to feel ashamed
M is for the multitude He preached before and greeted
N is for new life He found when earthly life completed
O is for the offerings the worldly wise men gave
P is for the peasant folk He also came to save
Q is for the quietude which reigned that Holy night
R is for the rapture felt when God sent down His Light
S is for the shepherd's faith as bright as any star
T is for the thanks they felt for tidings from afar
U is for the "great unwashed" accepting God's great gift
V is for the vagabond whose spirits Christ can lift
W is for the wonder caused by one small child
X is for how exquisite the warmth when Mary smiled
Y is for the "Yes" we say when asked to give Him praise
Z is for the zest with which our Hallelujahs raise.
By adewpearl
A staunch tin soldier hanging on the tree
would sometimes give the fairy one quick glance,
but dressed in garb so gold and glittery,
she seemed too fine to give the lad a chance.
He told himself that there could never be
a time the two would share a warm romance,
as pain almost too great for him to bear
made Christmas eve a night of deep despair.
But what this soldier failed to realize
when he gave up and let his teardrops stream
is that his golden lass had heard his sighs
that stirred within her heart a love supreme.
Imagine then how great was his surprise
when morning dawned and she fulfilled his dream,
that Christmas day when wishes all came true
as his sweet fairy whispered, "I love you."
| Author Notes |
The ottava rima is a poem in 8 line verses in iambic pentameter. The rhyme scheme is ABABABCC DEDEDEFF and so on, depending on the number of verses.
re/a/lize is three syllables |
By adewpearl
I've hung a wreath of holly on the door
and topped the tree with silver star upon it;
the fire in the hearth's begun to roar,
so now it's time to write my Christmas sonnet.
I'll call attention to that holy night
when Mary gave the world a perfect present,
and then to all my gentle friends I'll write
my warmest wishes that their year be pleasant.
I'll pour into my poem prayers for peace
for every person living on the planet
and ask our Christmas spirit be increased
in honor of the Christ child who began it.
I've wrapped each gift and placed a big bow on it --
all that remains is write my Christmas sonnet.
| Author Notes |
Sonnets usually have 10 syllables in each line, written in iambic meter. But a variant on iambic pentameter is to end a line with a feminine rhyme, which means to end on an unaccented beat. When this is done, the line becomes 11 syllables long. One instance of this format is found in the second stanza of Shakespeare's Sonnet 116:
Oh no, it is an ever fixed mark That looks on tempests and is never shaken; It is the star to every wand'ring bark, Whose worth's unknown although his height be taken. |
By adewpearl
Sleep warm, sweet child, to whom we're led,
for many miles you soon will tread
to bring new hope to those forlorn,
for such high purpose you've been born.
So while you can, lay down your head.
In coming years, God's word you'll spread,
dear babe at rest in humble bed.
Too soon you'll have to weather storms.
Sleep warm, sweet child.
Your work will keep the spirits fed
of weary souls once filled with dread,
yet some will greet your words with scorn
and mock you with a crown of thorns.
Before the road that lies ahead,
sleep warm, sweet child.
| Author Notes | The rondeau is a poem in three verses. The rhyme scheme is AABBA AABC AABBAC. The A and B lines are 8 syllables long in iambic meter. The C lines are a refrain taken from the first words of the first verse. |
By adewpearl
Whoo Whoo the owl cries as he flies,
whoo whoo, whoo whoo --
I don't believe the raven's lies,
whoo whoo, whoo whoo.
He says they're off to see the Son
of God who made us, everyone,
but I need proof that this is true,
whoo whoo, whoo whoo.
I hear the robin's faithful cries,
it's true, it's true,
but I won't join those on the rise,
adieu, adieu.
The others flew to see the King,
to bring him gifts and praises sing,
but I've been doomed to ask anew,
"whoo whoo, whoo whoo?"
| Author Notes |
This Christmas legend tells of how the raven gathered up all the birds to fly to worship the newborn Jesus. Most of the birds joined him on this pilgrimage and paid their King homage. The robin distinguished himself with his selfless gift of fanning the flames to keep the baby warm and to this day bears a beautiful red breast as his reward, but the skeptical owl, who refused to even make the trip, is doomed to this day to ask his constant question, Whoo Whoo?
The octogram, invented by Fan Story's Sally Yocom, is a two verse poem. The syllable count is 8/4/8/4/8/8/8/4 in each verse. The rhyme scheme is ABABCCBB ABABDDBB. The second line of verse one serves as a refrain at the end of both verses. When reading this aloud, I suggest drawing out the words in the four syllable lines. |
By adewpearl
When Mary birthed her baby boy,
God's creatures came from all around
to share this mother's boundless joy
and feel the peace our world had found.
A stork arrived with naught to give
when Mary birthed her baby boy,
and prayed sweet Jesus would forgive
his lack of gold or silver toy.
But then his heart filled up with joy
as if a calm had stilled a storm --
when Mary birthed her baby boy,
she had no blankets soft and warm.
He plucked his feathers from his breast,
no thought of what he must destroy,
to line the bed of infant blest,
when Mary birthed her baby boy.
When Mary birthed her baby boy,
God's creatures came from round the Earth,
but he who gave himself with joy
had brought the gift of greatest worth.
| Author Notes | Storks have been considered lucky for centuries - to see one on a chimney or to see one fly over is considered a sign of good fortune. One also often associates them with the delivery of newborn babies. One of the legends of the stork revolves around Christmas, when the stork is supposed to have visited the manger and plucked his own breast of feathers to supply soft bedding for the newborn child, despite the terrible pain he must have endured. I have not made up the legend, just the poem, which is a quatern followed by an extra verse. |
By adewpearl
When Mary saw the embers wane,
she knew the need to fight night's chill,
for by her side sweet Jesus lay,
a baby born to do God's will.
Her strength was sapped to fan the fire
when Mary saw the embers wane.
She could not let those flames expire,
and then she heard a bird's refrain.
"I know that I am small and plain,
but I will flap my wings all night."
When Mary saw the embers wane,
she somehow knew he'd make things right.
Though growing flames had burnt his breast,
this robin never once complained.
He felt her need and passed the test,
when Mary saw the embers wane.
So robin redbreasts to this day
display their colors to proclaim,
"When duty called, we found a way
when Mary saw the embers wane."
| Author Notes |
I found this legend on multiple websites though I had never heard it before. The robin was originally a plain dull brown, until the night of Jesus' birth. The flames from the fire warming her and her baby were going out, and she didn't have the strength to keep the fire going. (None of the variants of the story explain why Joseph could not help.) Just as Mary was getting desperate, a robin living in the loft of the stable offered his services to fan the embers and keep the fire going. In the course of doing this, his breast got singed, and ever since robins have had beautiful red breasts as reward for their ancestor's diligence.
The form of this poem is a quatern plus an extra verse because I ran out of verses before I ran out of story! LOL |
By adewpearl
Hang tinsel on the evergreen
and place a Yule log on the fire
to make a cozy Christmas scene
hang tinsel on the evergreen
then watch the silver garlands gleam
as toasty flames grow ever higher
hang tinsel on the evergreen
and place a Yule log on the fire.
| Author Notes |
The triolet is a centuries old French form. The poem is only 8 lines long and written in iambic tetrameter with a rhyme scheme of ABaAabAB. The capital letters show the lines that repeat - the first line is also the fourth and seventh lines and the second line is also the final line.
I realize the fire/higher lines have 9 syllables each, so there is no need to point that out. It is intentional. :-) |
By adewpearl
Who shined the star whose luster showed
the way to travel down that road
which led great men to see the King,
a babe who made the angels sing?
Whose labors lit his small abode?
When light throughout the night skies flowed
as ne'er before those heavens glowed,
whose efforts lit each angel's wing?
Who shined the star?
To whom, I ask, is my debt owed
for blessings which his work bestowed?
My gratitude to him I bring
whose steadfast toil revealed the King
with light as light has never glowed.
Who shined the star?
| Author Notes |
The rondeau is a 15 line poem in 3 verses with a rhyme scheme of AABBA/ AAB refrain/ AABBA refrain. The refrain is taken from the first words of the first line.
As the daughter of a construction worker, I guess it's natural that I wonder whenever I see a beautiful display, whose humble labors and hard work contributed to it. :-) |
By adewpearl
Raise every voice, ring every bell
ding dong! ding dong!
such splendid news we've come to tell
ding dong! ding dong!
Wrap every gift, trim every tree
fill all God's children's hearts with glee
and join us in our joyful song
ding dong! ding dong!
As our glad chorus starts to swell
ding dong! ding dong!
may peace among us come to dwell
ding dong! ding dong!
for on this day a child was born
that we from neighbors not be torn
but know we all as one belong
ding dong! ding dong!
| Author Notes |
The octogram, recently invented by Fanstorian Sally Yocom, is a two verse poem, with each verse consisting of 8 lines.
The syllable count for each verse is 8/4/8/4/8/8/8/4. The rhyme scheme is ABABCCBB ABABDDBB. The second line of verse one is the refrain line which is repeated as lines 8 of both verses. In this particular poem, I have repeated the refrain line extra times. |
By adewpearl
Peace sparkled from a brilliant star
to lead poor shepherds to the Child
with warmth a cold night could not mar
peace sparkled from a brilliant star
lit by a love sent from afar
by One who on this whole Earth smiled
peace sparkled from a brilliant star
to lead poor shepherds to His child.
By adewpearl
As carols sing of peace on Earth
I send my wishes Heavenwards
on this the day of Jesus' birth
as carols sing of peace on Earth
that we might realize the worth
found in these pure and Holy words
as carols sing of peace on Earth
I send my wishes Heavenwards.
| Author Notes |
I am using the 3 syllable pronunciation of "realize."
|
By adewpearl
Where was the snow that Christmas night,
the jingle bells, the horse-drawn sleigh,
the gifts piled high to child's delight,
the boughs of holly on display?
When Luke wrote of sweet Jesus' birth,
where was the snow that Christmas night,
the jolly Santa filled with mirth,
the tapered candles burning bright?
In my mind's eye I see the sight,
a humble manger, clean but spare --
where was the snow that Christmas night?
Why weren't ten lords a-leaping there?
As Mary crooned a lullaby
and love made Joseph's heart ignite,
they had no cause to wonder why,
where was the snow that Christmas night.
| Author Notes |
weren't - I am using the one syllable pronunciation here
The quatern is a poem of four quatrains in which the first line of the first verse descends in each succeeding verse until it is the final line of the last verse. |
By adewpearl
When Christmastide draws near
a spirit fills the air --
the world's a love affair
as kindly acts appear
that fill our hearts with cheer
as people freely share.
But then the new year comes
when worries fill our days,
our lives a hectic haze
where kindness soon succumbs.
We haven't even crumbs
to ease the poor's malaise.
Please ask that God forgive
when good will is outlived.
| Author Notes |
I want to thank Cheyennewy for posting a hex sonnetta that inspired me to try my hand at this form. The poem consists of two six line verses and a couplet. All lines are six syllables long in iambic meter. The rhyme scheme is ABBAAB
CDDCCD EE. The first verse sets the theme while the second verse changes the tone or adds some new aspect to the theme, and the couplet either sums things up or offers some resolution. |
By adewpearl
Ten Christmas fairies, living in my tree --
one slid down a candy cane and scraped her knee.
Nine Christmas fairies, sitting on a bough --
one fell off a wilted branch and broke her brow.
Eight Christmas fairies were flying to the top --
I didn't see it happen, but I heard one drop.
Seven Christmas fairies swung from a popcorn string --
one fairy bumped a silver bell and made it ring.
Six Christmas fairies threw caution to the air --
one cartwheeled from the star, and then she wasn't there.
Five Christmas fairies perched on five ornaments --
one tiny sprite who slipped has never been seen since.
Four Christmas fairies grabbed onto tinsel strands --
Soon I bade a fond farewell to one with slipp'ry hands.
Three Christmas fairies hopped onto Santa's sleigh --
one didn't leave in time before he rode away.
Two Christmas fairies threw magic dust for fun --
one vanished in the glitter, and then there was just one.
One Christmas fairy is living in my tree --
I hope she stays forever to keep me company.
| Author Notes | No form, no explanations, just fun :-) |
By adewpearl
Twelve drummers drumming marched in the big parade
till one fell in a manhole, then what a splash he made.
Eleven drummers drumming kept beat as bugles blared --
one dropped his stick and ran away when all the people stared.
Ten drummers drumming kept strong and steady time,
but one forgot the music and soon stepped out of line.
Nine drummers drumming played on to festive cheers,
then one tripped in a pothole and limped away to jeers.
Eight drummers drumming made children's spirits bright
when one developed hiccups and dropped clear out of sight.
Seven drummers drumming made noise throughout the town
till one's stick cracked and off he crept without another sound.
Six drummers drumming played Jingle Bells with glee
when one collided with an elf and broke his knobby knee.
Five drummers drumming looked grand with every stride
till one slipped on a patch of ice and hurt his manly pride.
Four drummers drumming kept marching right along,
then one who sneezed and sneezed again could not complete the song.
Three drummers drumming were sounding kind of weak,
but not till one gave up and ran did things look really bleak.
Two drummers drumming had trouble being heard
when one walked off and muttered, "This really is absurd."
One drummer drumming marched to the bitter end
where Santa shook his frost-bit hand and said, "Good job, my friend."
|
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