Had I the pow’r to bless the shades that storm upon this grieving land
’T’would leave but shadows Nature’d made, soothe injured hearts’ unyielding pain
Heal broken men whose souls have lost the memory of godly hand
Whose bitterness renews as gall is drunk by evil’s dark remains.
For hate bears no impediment to stem the stench of angry blood
Its sight is spared of naught but what it may divine from injured hearts
As from its loins springs hatred new as hatred’s claimed by burgeoning brood
We are diminished as hate chokes down what evil’s sour fruit imparts.
And yet there shines a light discerned ’midst stars that guide to ancient age
To mangered child, whose life we touch to regain memories of Soul
To bring forth love: shield injured hearts and innocents from evil’s rage
Make lessened more, seek those who’re lost, and make lives’ shattered fragments whole.
This, then, the guiding star we see brings promise that God’s gifts hold sway:
With souls and mangered child’s touch, we know love lights the dark away.
Stephen Bolles
Copyright 12/23
All rights reserved