Poetry Jam "A December Night's Walk" Friday Flash 55 "Beloved"

The Friday Flash 55 version is at the bottom - It is always so hard to edit one's words...

which do YOU like better?

A December Night's Walk

I step out
into the cimmerian night,
utter a protest against the chill,

walk dogs one last time
before turning in, glad
Christmas's rush is over,

listen to the pond's silence,
pause as I feel very small,
pupils wide,

as pinpoints
of luminous light
reflect symbolic vision;

a tree of paradise,
a tree of hope, needles
pointing heavenward

and a stag
thirsting for water
like my soul yearns for Christ.

My breath expels,
a tear escapes,
and I thank the starless sky

for her beauteous gift
of making one so small
feel so simply and happily loved.

by Margaret Bednar, December 27, 2012

This is linked with Poetry Jam - "Ho Ho Holidays"


and below, a shorter, 55 word version, linked with Friday Flash 55.


Beloved

I embrace
a cimmerian night,

feel alone
beneath starless sky,

listen to the pond's
chilly silence,

pause, pupils wide,
as pinpoints of luminous light

reflect a tree of hope,
needles pointing heavenward

and a stag thirsting for water
like I yearn for Christ;

breath expels,
a tear escapes

and I, so small,
feel simply loved.

by Margaret Bednar, December 27, 2012