Eleven Pipers Piping?
Apostles remaining, they say,
After one sold his soul
And gave his whole life away.
The spot soon filled by Matthias
No gap would last very long
The Book tells of their great ventures
And the pipers rejoice in their song!
(c) Dennis Ryle January 2025
‘Twas the Tenth Day of Christmas
Ten lords a-leaping
In such joyful festive mood.
To suggest over-imbibement
Would seem abundantly rude!
Rather a disguise for ten commandments
‘Oft displayed in halls dim and dour.
Together they express the Shalom,
Of joy that is meant to endure.
(c) Dennis Ryle January 2025
‘Twas the Ninth Day of Christmas
Nine ladies dancing – a recurring theme
When Spirit is broached, or so it would seem
‘Tis Spirit’s nine fruits1, emerging in time
A sign of her work in a soul’s growth sublime.
Love, joy and peace a-twirling
While Patience, kindness, and goodness
Sync their pirouette
And faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control
Complete the set with a new pas-de-trois.
(c) Dennis Ryle January 2025
- Galatians 5:22 ↩︎
‘Twas the Eighth Day of Christmas
The milk of human kindness
These eight maids bring on the scene;
‘Tis the servanthood of Christlikeness
That is central to this theme.
And eight signs the core of salvation
From ark to fresh possibility;
Lay the number on its side
And it becomes the truth of infinity
(c) Dennis Ryle December 2025
‘Twas the Seventh Day of Christmas
Seven swans a-swimming,
Black feathered in this corner of the earth,
Affirming Spirit’s seven traits1,
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
- Romans 12:6-8 ↩︎
‘Twas the Sixth Day of Christmas
Six geese a layin’
On Creation’s doorstep a-playin’
Six days give birth
Sun, moon, and stars
Earth, sea, and plants
Now all creatures a-prayin’
(c) Dennis Ryle December 2024
‘Twas the Fifth day of Christmas
“Where are the gold rings?” we query
Five 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 insist
Are the five rings we aren’t meant to resist
Foundations of gold in precious metal
Rather than feathers and wings that seem much more fickle.
Yet Spirit is fluid and likened to wind
In times of beginning, she did brood o’er the deep
On wings that are broad and swift to achieve
The Torah’s intention to give and receive.
So five golden rings, whether they be bird or be bling
Give us good reason to dance and to sing!
(c) Dennis Ryle December 2024
‘Twas the Fourth Day of Christmas
Four calling birds Down Under
Would 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 news
https://teara.govt.nz/files/high_source/26150-pc-h.mp4
Traditionally 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 sources within its ever-expanding data bank. I rather like it, so without any editing, let AI inspire us on this third day of Christmas.
Once upon a time, in a quaint village nestled in the heart of France, there were three elegant hens named Amélie, Camille, and Lucille. These French hens were not just any ordinary birds; they were known far and wide for their extraordinary bond and unity. Each hen was unique, yet together, they formed a perfect harmony.
One crisp morning, as the sun cast a golden hue over the village, the three French hens decided it was time to announce their oneness to the world. They gathered in the central square, where the village folk often came to enjoy the market and share stories.
Amélie, with her vibrant feathers, stepped forward and clucked, “Mes amis, we have gathered here today to share something special with you all.”
Camille, the hen with the melodious voice, joined in, “We are not just three separate hens. We are united by our love, our friendship, and our shared dreams.”
Lucille, the wise and thoughtful hen, concluded, “Together, we are stronger. We are not merely individuals but a symbol of oneness and unity. Let us show you what it means to be truly united.”
With that, the three hens began to dance in perfect synchrony, their movements so graceful and coordinated that it left the villagers in awe. Their performance was a celebration of togetherness, a testament to the power of unity and the beauty of their bond.
The villagers cheered and clapped, inspired by the hens’ display of harmony. From that day forward, the three French hens became a symbol of unity in the village. They reminded everyone that, no matter how different they might be, they could always find strength and beauty in their togetherness.
And so, the story of the three French hens spread far and wide, inspiring others to embrace unity and cherish the bonds that bring them together
‘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 continue
Some teach Old and New Testament in disguise
‘Twould seem Law and Grace
Find balance in a manger’s surprise.
(c) Dennis Ryle, December 2024
Wondering Pilgrim 