Epiphany
January 6 is coming up –
end of the ‘twelve days of Christmas’:
scrape up the Christmas cards –careful
to note addresses where they’ve changed, and
the people who sent to you this year, when
you didn’t send to them..
out with the tree before
it sheds any more needles,
box the decorations into the loft;
yet not an end, but a beginning,
as Eliot might have put it; a cold coming they’re having of it;
they’re still some days away,
the way harsh; the land, strange;
the camels finding harder tread than sand..
for devotees and followers in their footsteps
we’re curiously incurious about that myth
we love to love – is it because
we fear to look too close?
Twelve days they took, measured by the star;
men of wisdom seeking for the birth of some greater love;
what then was needful? Did it need
twelve days, perhaps, for that babe to adjust
to earth – as if from some divine ‘entry burns’?
Or twelve days for his mother to adjust
to heaven in person present?
And what meanwhile, did the shepherds do?
Even if they were nomads, they could not have been
many Palestinian hills away? Or were they asking round
the inns and stables for some strange event
which they would only understand
when they chanced upon it?
Twelve days for the stabled animals
and a family which evidently did not rise
on the local council’s temporary housing list,
to get to know each other (and we are to assume
they must have popped out at some stage, to enrol…) :
Epiphany: the ‘showing-forth’;
today we’d call it
a media opportunity.
No photoflash, recording gear, among the hay and straw;
just stillness, silence, a baby’s smile; homage unrehearsed;
was there more movement than the old masters portray in paint?
what words were said – for surely there were words?
What light, though, shines, like infra-red,
what songs are sung, like ultrasound,
what magnet draws the iron aged hearts of all:
wisdom, a stable, cattle, a new-born, love.
poem by Michael Shepherd
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Related quotes
The Week Between Christmas and New Year
These are the strange and dull and heavy days
(in the Northern Hemisphere at least –
we seldom spare a thought for what ordeal
our brothers and sisters, basking in the summer sun
are passing through in mind…)
For children, these are precious days, of course –
waking each morning to the knowledge of new toys—
(premature, by orthodox tradition – a birth, of course,
but not yet the presents that are due
to celebrate the Epiphany, the showing-forth of Love Itself)
but are there other gifts which grown-ups have not found,
buried in the garden soil, the frozen fields?
For it seems this week, as if the earth and nature
are caught up in some mighty pull
as this great globe itself rounds some vast narrow bend
and we with it; as if we are nature, earth as well:
aroused by some peremptory alarm clock
at some ungodly, godly hour,
to help push up the snowdrops from their roots
and all other things that must be stirring in the earth
to feed and flower.
Some esoterics say that these seven days
are rich with some strange octave in the mind
whose qualities are sensed within our music’s scale:
some universal starting power; reluctance; recovery;
faintheartedness; a sunny strength; need for authority;
yearning for completeness – these, they say,
are to be lived through in the mind;
these to be lightly seen and sung in heart;
best, in these over-eaten days, to participate
in joyous activities in company..
Others whose star is in the East
look for a sequence of twelve days of Christmas:
wisdom has set out from Persian lands afar
on its journey to acknowledge new-born love;
some old order gathered in the safe sheepfold of strict law
knowing in its wisdom, it’s now time –
the law known and secure -
to learn the new-born testament of love;
All this, buried in the Christmas tree’s root and branch,
the holly and the mistletoe, the alert, fierce robin
sitting on a needful spade,
the angel (wondering if it still has a place in our hearts,
but knowing the powers that its wand
may never lose)
In these strange and dull and heavy days
all this, all these, the presents yet to find,
we could not make or buy; lie wrapped in mind.
poem by Michael Shepherd
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Identity Of Moment
At twelve of night philosopher thinks with a cup of tea
At twelve of night exuded in dream
At twelve of night cloud of blue sky burns
At twelve of night strip by strip waves fall to ground
At twelve of night full moon flashes of light
At twelve of night horn of car strikes on door
At twelve of night couple enters into dwell of love
At twelve of night loud cry of progenitors comes
At twelve of night machinegun of devilish roars
At twelve of night whistles of train strikes
At twelve of night the red sun of monument raises.
poem by Bongokobida Zakaria
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All I Want For Christmas
You could shop until you drop
At every mall in town
Searching for that special gift for me
Cowboy boots, a hunting suit
That would be just fine
But you can't buy the biggest wish of mine
Honey, all I want for Christmas
Is a new year with you
Twelve more months of loving
A heart so sweet and true
Make me a promise
That's the best that you can do
All I want for Christmas
Is a new year with you
I could make a list of my requests
And send them to Santa Claus
Tell him what a good man I've been
He could land up on our rooftop
Bring it all on Christmas eve
But you've still got the greatest gift for me
Honey, all I want for Christmas
Is a new year with you
Twelve more months of loving
A heart so sweet and true
Make me a promise
That's the best that you can do
All I want for Christmas
Is a new year with you
I could be so happy
Holding you by firelight
Listening to you whisper
I'm yours for life
Honey, all I want for Christmas
Is a new year with you
Twelve more months of loving
A heart so sweet and true
Make me a promise
That's the best that you can do
All I want for Christmas
Is a new year with you
Honey, all I want for Christmas
Is a new year with you
song performed by by Toby Keith
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Days in Red
Days days days in red
In days days days ahead
The sun is in autumn light
And moon of glowing dark
Sky deep and high
Days days days in red
Flowing on hours in night
Where love lost its flight
Once those were alright
Now they no more spark
Days days days in red
In days days days ahead
The sun is in autumn light
Is there a horizon of ignite
Where hours go on by
Days days days in red
Flowing memories at sight
No feeling seems now right
But love's still inside
Come come babe now close abide
Days days days in red
In days days days ahead
The sun is in autumn light
Is there a horizon of ignite
Where hours go on by
Days days days in red
poem by Peter S. Quinn
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I Thought, I Think, I Know
Gone are the days,
When i thought love was a myth,
Gone are the days,
When i thought women are the same,
Gone are the days,
When i thought i wont find love again
Gone are the days, so so gone
Here are the days,
When i think love is a gift,
Here are the days
When i think you a blessing,
Here are the days,
When i think these are the days,
The days to love you more
Yet are the days,
To know i will love with doubt,
Yet are the days,
To know you are my wife,
Yet are the days, the days to love,
To care and protect
poem by Gaylord Munemo
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Gone (a tribute to those who graduated)
The final days are looming, everyone's hearts are booming,
it's that time of year again,
To farewell the kids who made it through, through the old and through the new,
and survive to see it then.
It's been a long time coming,
all are looking clean and prim,
the chances of survival,
for some, are looking slim
Twelve years it took the kids,
to get to where they are,
the temperatures haved risen and fell,
and yet, they come so far
Gone are the days when they could laugh and play,
and never cause a stir,
gone are the days of playgrounds and games,
it all seems such a blur
As we farewell our seniors,
on this very night,
we wish them all the best of luck,
and share with them their delight
poem by XxAmieLee xX
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Thank God Its Christmas
Words and music by brian may and roger taylor
Oh my love weve had our share of tears
Oh my friend weve had our hopes and fears
Oh my friends its been a long hard year
But now its christmas
Yes its christmas
Thank God its christmas
The moon and stars seem awful cold and bright
Lets hope the snow will make this christmas right
My friend the world will share this special night
Because its christmas
Yes its christmas
Thank God its christmas
For one night
Thank God its christmas yeah
Thank God its christmas
Thank God its christmas
Can it be christmas?
Let it be christmas
Evry day
Oh my love weve lived in troubled days
Oh my friend we have the strangest ways
All my friends on this one day of days
Thank God its christmas
Yes its christmas
Thank God its christmas
For one day
Thank God its christmas
Yes its christmas
Thank God its christmas
Oooh yeah
Thank God its christmas
Yes yes yes yes its christmas
Thank God its christmas
For one day
A very merry christmas to you all
song performed by by Queen
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Oh Happy Days
Oh happy days,
Everyone likes you.
Oh happy days,
Please stay today.
Oh happy days,
Sweet like honey.
Oh happy days,
loving family ties.
Oh happy days,
Giving us strength.
Oh happy days,
Children out playing.
Oh happy days,
On the green grass.
Oh happy days,
With boundless optimism.
Oh happy days,
I give thanks.
Oh happy days,
Dreaming for more.
Oh happy days,
Warm and bright.
Oh happy days,
Like love eternal.
Oh happy days,
And glad memories.
Oh happy days,
New hope prayers.
Oh happy days,
With smiling faces.
Oh happy days,
Holidays and health.
Oh happy days,
With close friends.
Oh happy days,
Generous and giving.
Oh happy days,
Shiny rainbow dreams.
Oh happy days,
Till the very end.
Oh happy days,
Always and forever.
Amen.
poem by Rowina Mallick
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Christmas To Christmas
Seems like only yesterday
We put our Christmas things away
Now here's another Christmas day with you
When you're in love, how time does fly
And this year that's just flown by
Had been one happy holiday for two
Christmas to Christmas
Wrapped in your arms
Love's always in season
And always so warm
Till my days on earth are through
I will spend Christmas to Christmas lovin' you
Yes, the givin' season's here again
Time to love your fellow man
Yuletide smiles are in demand, it's true
The love we share is for all time
We'll feel its glow right through July
To melt the cold when winter flies anew
Christmas to Christmas
Wrapped in your arms
Love's always in season
And always so warm
Till my days on earth are through
I will spend Christmas to Christmas lovin' you
Till my days on earth are through
I will spend Christmas to Christmas lovin' you
song performed by by Toby Keith
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Twelve Christmas Angels a Christmas Poem
Twelve Christmas angels met
Up near the Milky Way;
To discuss why joy was missing,
From the Christmas holiday.
It gave them so much sadness,
As they tracked the negative trend;
So each decided to do their part,
To bring this madness to an end.
Angel one would touch memories,
Reminding of the blessings of life;
Angel two would tenderize hard hearts,
Removing bitterness and strife.
Angel three would gather families,
From far reaches of the earth;
Then stir feelings of love and peace,
Giving hope and joy new birth.
Angel four would return Merry
And Christ to holiday greetings.
Angel five would clear calendars,
To make time for family meetings.
Angels six would flame enthusiasm,
Angels seven would spread cheer;
Angel eight would grow generosity,
Angel nine would diminish fear.
Angel ten would dispel darkness,
By lighting colorful decorations;
Angel eleven would draw the lonely,
To warm and friendly celebrations.
Angel twelve would have the hardest job,
Bringing wonder back to each heart;
And reminding all the people,
Of how Christmas had its start.
So with haste they met the challenge,
And made everything all right;
They restored the joy and happiness,
Before that Christmas night.
So Merry Christmas then to one and all,
May every tongue employ;
And thank you Christmas angels,
For bringing back the Christmas joy!
Written by Loyd C Taylor
December 17,2009
poem by Loyd C. Taylor
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Cold Blows The Wind
Cold blows the wind over my true love
Cold blows the drops of rain
I never had but one true love
And in camville he was slain
I'll do as much for my true love as any young girl may
I'll sit and weep down by his grave for twelve month and one day
But when twelve months were come and gone
This young man he arose
What makes you weep down by my grave
I can't take my repose
One kiss, one kiss of your lily white lips -- one kiss is all i crave
One kiss, one kiss of your lily white lips and return back to your grave
My lips they are as cold as my clay
My breath is heavy and strong
If thou was to kiss my lily white lips
Thy days would not be long
Oh don't you remember the garden grove where we used to walk
Pluck the finest flower of them all, twill wither to a stalk
Go fetch me a nun from the dungeon deep
And water from a stone
And white milk from a maiden's breast,
That babe ere never known
Go dig me a grave both long, wide and deep as quickly as you may
I'll lie down in it and take one sleep for twelve month and one day
Cold blows the wind over my true love
Cold blows the drops of rain
I never had but one true love
And in camville he was slain
I'll do as much for my true love as any young girl may
I'll sit and weep down by his grave for twelve month and one day
song performed by by Ween
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Life On Sea-Shore
Life on sea-shore
In a year
And a year has twelve months
That signifies twelve animals
And it is love of animal you say.
Let us begin with your saying
January-rat
February-ox
March-tig er
April-rabbit
May-dragon
June-snake
July-horse
August-sheep
September-monkeyOctober-cock
November-dog
December-boarAnd here you see
Complete the life
And all are in five
You are to think
What are the five.
poem by Gajanan Mishra
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Christmas Everyday
He was born so far away
So the story's told
We remember Christmas Day
When winter days grow cold
With the time it passes by
We put away the trim
Then we live and wonder why
We can't remember Him
The Christmas star shines once a year
And then it fades away
Keep the spirit in your-our heart
It's Christmas everyday (christmas everyday)
It's not the bells and it's not the snow
And it's not the gifts we get
But He was born so long ago
It's easy to forget
Peace on earth, good will to-oo men
But men can't go alone
We get lost along the way
But He can bring us ho-o-o-o-o-o-ome
Remember Him throughout the year
Without the star above
He left us all a Christmas gift
He left the gift of love
The Christmas star shines once a year
And then it fades away
Keep the spirit in your-our heart
And it's Christmas every day...
song performed by by Kenny Rogers
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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One Rose
Rose
One Rose
Two Rose
Twelve Rose
One for each bruise
One Rose
Two Rose
Twelve Rose
One for each time you cheated
One Rose
Two Rose
Twelve Rose
One for each time you forced me
One Rose
Two Rose
Twelve Rose
One for each pointless arguement
One Rose
Two Rose
Twelve Rose
One for each crime
One Rose
Two Rose
Twelve Rose
One for each time you try to end me
One Rose
Two Rose
Twelve Rose
How many more can I live through?
poem by Lexie Night
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Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
Christmas future is far away
Christmas past is past
Christmas present is here today
Bringing joy that may last
Have yourself a merry little Christmas
May your heart be light
In a year our troubles will be out of sight
From now on
Have yourself a merry little Christmas
Make the yuletide gay
In a year our troubles will be miles away
Here we are as in olden days
Happy golden days of yore
Precious friends who are dear to us
Gather near to us once more
I know that
In a year we all will be together
If the Fates allow
Until then, we'll just have to muddle through somehow
And have ourselves a merry little Christmas now.
song performed by by James Taylor
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Twelve O'Clock
Mother, I do want to leave off my lessons now. I have been at my
book all the morning.
You say it is only twelve o'clock. Suppose it isn't any later;
can't you ever think it is afternoon when it is only twelve
o'clock?
I can easily imagine now that the sun has reached the edge of
that rice-field, and the old fisher-woman is gathering herbs for
her supper by the side of the pond.
I can just shut my eyes and think that the shadows are growing
darker under the madar tree, and the water in the pond looks shiny
black.
If twelve o'clock can come in the night, why can't the night
come when it is twelve o'clock?
poem by Rabindranath Tagore
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30 Days Out
We fell in love and I made you the world
I spent all my time tryin to satisfy you, girl
Just one thing that I cant figure out [? ]
Closer I get, farther baby I am out [? ]
30 days, 30 days out
Well Im six days runnin but Im 30 days out
30 days, 30 days out
With every kiss you leave a little shadow of doubt
The roof was leakin honey where we live
And Im wonderin whats that something that you wont give
I started loving you but I gotta stop
You got me mostly waitin for that other shoe to drop
30 days, 30 days out
You keep me six days runnin but Im 30 days out
30 days, 30 days out
With every kiss you leave a little shadow of doubt
Tried to talk about whats goin on
You just smile and tell me baby there aint nothin wrong
In your smile theres a sign in red
It said thousand miles of hard road dead ahead
30 days, 30 days out
Yeah Im six days runnin but Im 30 days out
30 days, 30 days out
With every kiss you leave a little shadow of doubt
30 days, 30 days out
Well Im six days runnin but Im 30 days out
30 days, 30 days out
With every kiss you leave a little shadow of doubt
song performed by by Bruce Springsteen
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Send A Kind Word.
Send a kind Word, to a Mother, for Christmas this year,
She may be suffering, the loss of a baby, and sheds a tear;
She may have had her family, all moving away, somewhere far,
Please remember a Mother at Christmas, send her a Christmas star.
Send a sweet message to a lonely one, who has not got a home,
Remember they may have been once popular, now so alone;
Why not ask the hurting one, come share a meal with me,
Maybe you could take a candle, and say share the moment with me,
Send a toy to a sick child for Christmas, they may be hurting so much,
They may have been in road trauma, and just need a loving careful touch;
You may like to take them a bear, to show you will really care.
They also may enjoy to see, a Christmas bell, and let you know you're there.
Write a gentle word for Christmas, to a lonely person in jail,
Or what about the Nursing homes, those so old and frail;
Then there are the sick animals, who need care from you too,
Go buy some flowers, a book of love, or write a love poem by you.
poem by Margaret Haig
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One Of Those Christmas Days
I'm gonna stuff my present up your chimney
And the melted snow will make it all wet
Cuz it's gonna be one of those Christmas days
Spent in bed
I will be your little drummer boy
I'll beat it till you feel no pain
Cuz baby you're my Christmas joy
When you're sucking on my candy cane
It's gonna be one of those Christmas days
We spend in bed
It's gonna be one of those Christmas days
We spend in bed
Merry Christmas
song performed by by Third Eye Blind
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Sonnet: Christmas is Forever
But Christmas isn’t a joy for just one day!
The gift supreme from God is for ever;
The baby boy-King incarnate on hay,
Without a dwelling place albeit manger!
The Prince of Heaven grew in holiness,
And quoted scriptures just when he was twelve!
His death on Cross was His special greatness,
An act of obedience in which we delve.
What love unfathomed God had shown to man,
Redeeming sinners from the devil’s hand!
The sacred blood can take all to Heaven;
Open your heart and prepare for God’s land!
The joy of Christmas should last through the year;
Let’s pray for peace on earth and live sans fear!
poem by John Celes
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