Really hoped to come up withsome new, but with one thing and another, including a sick kitty – who is thankfully much better now – I will share this one again (written after the Newtown, Connecticut tragedy last year), which fits in with the spirit of sorrow and hope with the passing of Nelson Mandela. This post could just as well be titled “The Conscience of Anytime.” Peace.
The weather isn’t frightful
as the snow falls on cue,
just following its heart
that longs for innocence
in a world where it is
all too brief.
The cold creates a warmth of
knowing we must come in
from the harsh winds that blow
humanity to shame
and haunt its soul for right
to be done.
The season cannot change what
happened to children who
did not doubt tomorrow
and to all those who did,
their smiles lost in tears
not in vain.
For as long as winter turns
from darkness to cast light
on a softer view through
the narrowing window
of how to make amends,
we must try.
Blessings of the season to all.
Prayers for non-violence to prevail
in the New Year and beyond.
Copyright 2012 DM Denton
©Artwork and writing, unless otherwise indicated, are the property of Diane M Denton. Please request permission to reproduce or post elsewhere with a link back to bardessdmdenton. Thank you.
bardessdmdenton - author- artist 
Re post or not, its still really beautiful
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Thank you so much, Peter! Hope you have a wonderful holiday and wishing you many blessings for the New Year!
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Love ya too ❤ xx
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I couldn’t agree more with your wish, my sweet. May we *all* go forward with peace in our hearts and kindness and love in our deeds.
xoxo
Kathryn
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Here, here, Kathryn! Let ‘peace in our hearts and kindness and love in our deeds’ resound! Thank you! Love and hugs, Diane XO
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It is a lovely posting Diane, and the words are still as good as they were last year. ❤
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Thank you so much, Ina! XO
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Diane,
I am always a bit in awe of your work. This one is splendid in every sense. I must tell you, that glass ornament of the angel took my breath away. It looks exactly like one that we had on our tree when I was a child. It was made in Germany and you have managed to capture it’s likeness so well. The texture you created is the exact texture of the ornament. I catch myself remembering the way it felt when I was allowed to hold it under the close supervision of my mother who wrapped it in tissue paper and stored it in its own box each year when the season was done.
The poem goes straight to the heart.
A joy to find this!
Sarah
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Thank you so much, Sarah, and I am so thrilled that my painting of the angel ornament evoked such a lovely, very personal and sensory memory for you! One always hope that one’s work, although often coming from personal experience, will reach out to others – especially to their hearts. Your comment has warmed this very cold snowy day for me! Blessings, love and hugs, Diane
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Beautiful repost, Diane, and “prayers for non-violence to prevail” are what we need an abundance of…I’ve been listening to some of the parents being interviewed on NPR and it is beyond heartbreaking…there is just no way to comprehend how they’re feeling…these tragedies make it hard for me to be “merry” during this time of year…I could easily just sit and cry for all who are suffering. I’m sure we all could do the same…thanks for sharing again! Sending hugs and love your way! ♥
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Thank you, Lauren, and for joining in the prayer. As I wrote in my reply to Christine’s comment, appreciating our blessings and sending out love from there must surely help a little. Let our hearts light candles of kindness and peace, and perhaps those things will prevail. XO
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Oh I remember this so well Diane. So very sad and a real eye re-opener for me too, because for today I am still here and am blessed with a beautiful family. I feel so blessed in fact, after reading these words of yours that I am shivery. Thank you so much for re-posting this, and yes it is also very appropriate in the light of Nelson Mandla’s death.
Love and big hugs ❤
Xxx
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Life is so fragile. I hope it doesn’t seem out of place to say, but just worrying about my sick Oscar this past week and then feeling the weight lifted really brought home what’s important. Yes, the blessings we have are precious, and to understand that with compassion as you do helps heal the pain of loss for others, I’m sure. Love always, and hugs! XO
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It doesnt seem out of place at all Diane. Jack our lovely dog had a tummy bug last week; I was beside myself with worry. He is better now and Im so relieved for you too for little Oscar. They mean more ro us than some may imagine.
Lots of love
And hugs x❤ x
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Oh, I didn’t realize Jack was sick, too. So glad our beloved guys are better! Love ya! XO
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I debated whether to rerun my poems for Newtown, but didn’t–so I’m glad that you did. I can’t even imagine how painful Christmas is for those parents–it would be so tempting to just give up the holiday altogether. Wishing you a lovely Christmas, Diane–God bless you BIG–love, Caddo
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I can’t imagine how one copes with the loss of one’s child, but then in such a sudden and violent way. Blessing to you for the season and long beyond, Caddo! XO
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