winter – Rivers Renewed

Christmas Dance

So often we move, and live in between the beauty of this season,

and the brutality we don’t want to see in our world,

may we learn how to dance, and to love anyway

accepting who we are, choosing to believe

in that hope we know still exists, filled

with dances of light

as we move forward

twirling,

each of us a graceful ballet

of love and new life.

Amen.

Merry Christmas everyone!

Poetry and Image © Copyright, 2022 rivers renewed

A streetlamp flickered as Marcy walked by, and snow began falling. She wanted so badly to be inside, anywhere, any place that had heating. She didn’t know where else to go, she didn’t want to go there but it was the only place that would take her on this bitter cold Christmas Eve.

She was desperate. So she headed to the Gospel Mission. At least she could find warmth there and a decent meal. She knew she smelled bad, but it didn’t matter anymore.

Once she got there, it did not go well. There was no food left, and the staff argued with each other on whether Marcy should sleep with the men or the women. They looked at her with disgust and continued arguing with each other. Marcy’s face turned beet red with embarrassment and anger. She tried to explain why she was a woman, but they wouldn’t listen.

Marcy turned and headed for the door. No one, absolutely no one tried to stop her. There was only one place left she could try although she was sure they were closed now.

It was a long difficult walk including over a bridge and in the snow, and now the wind picked up. She asked heaven for help, and she was bold enough to ask for three small Christmas gifts.

“I could really use these gifts right now” … she said out loud, looking up.

Almost an hour later she made it…to the Pride Center. The door was locked! She banged as loud as she could, weeping and calling out for help. Suddenly the door opened, “What is all that noise!” And when the woman standing there saw Marcy, she said “Come in child come in, dear God look at you!”

Her name was Linda, an older woman and a psychologist who had fallen asleep after meeting with a client there. She took Marcy in and went into action, wrapping her in blankets and fixing something up in the microwave that smelled delicious. Marcy knew that smell, and with a smile on her face said, “Lasagna!”.

The two women talked, and Marcy told her about her night so far. They finished the coffee in the coffee pot, and talked some more about everything. Linda offered to give her fresh clothes from the attached thrift shop. They both hated red!

Linda pointed down the hallway and said, “Second door on the right is a bathroom with a shower.” Marcy smiled beautifully. Linda continued, “There’s shampoo in the closet.” And after the shower and fresh clothes, Marcy realized something.

Linda had given her the Christmas presents she was hoping for. When she told Linda, they hugged each other with tears streaming down their faces.

All Marcy wanted for Christmas was to feel loved, accepted, and encouraged.

Linda said,

“Merry Christmas Marcy!”

P.S. That night Marcy slept on the sofa at the center, warm and comfy. She and Linda became good friends, and Marcy now works at the thrift shop.

This Year My Love

This year My Love, let’s hold each other closer,

on the day of love,

listening

to each other’s hearts

listening

in the silence

of the snowfall.

Happy Valentine’s Day.

In the Winter Rain

In the grey dawn, winter rain descending

I hope for warmer days,

of enjoying the rain

of watching the Earth,

cleanse herself of despair

where sunbeams break the sky,

bringing new life,

a time of Heart Songs ascending

and clouds holding onto

our prayers.

When Pine Trees Hold Our Prayers

When pine trees hold our prayers, peace falls

quietly through the forest

in the whispers,

of snowflakes.

Looking into the Winter Sky

Looking into the winter sky brings a quiet to my mind,

a softer peace to my spirit, while my wordflow

increases, within rivers

of strength.

Winter Sun Melting

Winter sun melting, thawing our most inner solid ice

hopeful,

letting go

our hearts unfrozen and delivered,

walking strong,

will always make a better lover

open and free,

will make us a better friend

with beautiful honesty.

Walk tall today in your internal freedom.

When Gentleness Speaks to Me

When gentleness speaks to me I have a choice

to ignore it, or to write it all down

hoping, believing

someone else

will be encouraged,

and lifted up,

just like I was.

Each Sparrow’s Heart

Each sparrow’s heart never fears the winter wind,

she simply and humbly seeks the warmer air,

knowing full well, of the refuge

and the power of the sun,

no one ever told her,

yet her small heart

so trusting,

so strong

in confidence,

hoping spring will appear,

and that joy comes

in the daylight.

In the Snowstorm

I drew down my hat a little further, and noticed the snowstorm was both beautiful and raging,

my own heartbeats were in my ears in the excitement of the wind,

and I took another step…..grateful

I was still standing.

The storm

gave me strength.

Category: winter