Tag Archives: poetry

‘Twas the Seventh Day of Christmas

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

‘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 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”

Simian Standoff

Going down Murray MallAll gangly limbed and freckledSurrounded by his matesHe shambled apelike towards usArms akimbo, legs bentFixing me with hostile stareOozing testosterone with a simian quest for dominationI met his gaze with a closed mouth smileBorrowed from Paul HoganAs if to say, “You call that a threat?” He dropped his head and skirted aroundContinue reading “Simian Standoff”