Seven swans a-swimming, Black feathered in this corner of the earth, Affirming Spirit’s seven traits, Each desiring to bring birth. Speech that reveals, Service that frees, Teaching that enlarges, Encouragement that strengthens, Giving that empties, Generosity that fills, Compassion that enfolds. (c) Dennis Ryle December 2024
Category Archives: Personal
‘Twas the Sixth Day of Christmas
Six geese a layin’On Creation’s doorstep a-playin’Six days give birth Sun, moon, and starsEarth, sea, and plantsNow all creatures a-prayin’ (c) Dennis Ryle December 2024
‘Twas the Fifth day of Christmas
“Where are the gold rings?” we queryFive more birds – a poultry song – how leery!Gold-ringed pheasants, so we are told,Not jewellery, such assertion is bold. Bible’s first books some insistAre the five rings we aren’t meant to resistFoundations of gold in precious metalRather than feathers and wings that seem much more fickle. Yet SpiritContinue reading “‘Twas the Fifth day of Christmas”
‘Twas the Fourth Day of Christmas
Four calling birds Down UnderWould be kookaburras, and no wonder! Announcers sublime, they herald the time When Good News burst abroad like thunder. (c) Dennis Ryle December 2024 And here’s how they used to announce the Movietone newshttps://teara.govt.nz/files/high_source/26150-pc-h.mp4Traditionally the calling birds stand for the four gospels (“good news”).
‘Twas the Third Day of Christmas
Three French Hens have such obvious symbolism in the Western Christian tradition. I found it challenging to come up with a fresh approach for writing about them. I unashamedly asked AI to come to the party and lend some inspiration. It gave me a picture and a story, evidently concocted from a variety of sourcesContinue reading “‘Twas the Third Day of Christmas”
‘Twas the Second Day of Christmas
Two turtle doves keep partridge company!What on earth can they mean?So docile and peaceful ‘Gainst Boxing Day sales’ frantic scene! Christmas reflections continueSome teach Old and New Testament in disguise‘Twould seem Law and GraceFind balance in a manger’s surprise. (c) Dennis Ryle, December 2024
‘Twas the First Day of Christmas
Partridge, pear tree, and Christ candleHint that Christmas has not ended, but come.For retail the season has passed;For the cosmos, the feast’s just begun. Far from a Bethlehem mangerWhere cloaked figures pay their respect,In hearts given to pause and attentionThe Christ is reborn among those who reflect. We sing of twelve days for such pondering,TheContinue reading “‘Twas the First Day of Christmas”
Advent Love
Primal love ignited the cosmosAnd it could not be containedElusive in its fecundityFar beyond all that can be sustained. Yet once upon our timelineA young girl burst into songful mirthPrimal love found concentrationand became a human birth. (c) Dennis Ryle December 2024
Advent Joy
Who dares speak of joyIn this world so full of woe?When downcast eyes and heavy heartsQuestion why it is so. Why spell out this defiant wordIn the face of life so dreary?Don’t you see the tear-stained faceand the shoulders stooped so weary? The prophet calls for peace and faith,The apostle for robust trust,The baptiser laysContinue reading “Advent Joy”
Advent Peace
While thirteen-year-olds riot on Rottnestand Middle East regimes fallAssassins smile and CEOs hide awayProphets amplify their call. Prepare the way! Get ready!Straighten things up and clear the road!If it’s peace you want, then roll up your sleevesAnd do the work, share the load. For peace within requires an altered mindAnd a disposition to forgivenessPeace withoutContinue reading “Advent Peace”
Wondering Pilgrim 