Illumination

Illumination

I feel comforted

despite no stars, no moon to be seen;

twinkle seemingly tucked behind midnight clouds

post-Christmas Eve.

Dogs sigh softly, paws occasionally twitch,

three backsides glow, fireplace stoked,

flanked by slim evergreens whose branches beacon 

with the grandeur of coastal lighthouses

guiding Christ child safely to port.

Evergreen's fresh scent is gone,

yet prayers of hope, faith, joy & peace linger,

circle about Advent wreath

whose candles are but nubs.

Wrapped in darkness upon my couch

sprinkles of light silhouette thirty years of ornaments:

Santas and saddles, ice skates and Jesus,

princesses and Power Rangers...

wonder why we put it all away January 1st.

Perhaps a strand will adorn mantle, 

a prayer candle gifted pride of place, 

this time of reflection retained;

not so much for resolutions and promises,

but a continuation of thankfulness 

rekindling Christmas light.

by Margaret Bednar, December 30, 2020

This is linked with "The Sunday Muse #140"