the curling smoke from warming fires rise into the slate gray sky of the Beqaa Valley
sheaves of rising prayers expire in twisted plumes dissipating into the gloom of an ever looming winter overcast
refugees from the Arab Spring's uncivil wars gather for warmth around waning embers, smoldering in the underbelly of the lowliest bottom of rusted steel drums, tended with scavenged debris some thought better suited to fortify the faltering hovels of last resort
the fires join us in communal rings straining the tenuous links of brotherhood, the politics of men assiduously tear asunder
we count ourselves among the fortunate, blessed exiles recused from the acrimony of desecrated cities, welcoming the residencies of bewailing lullabies of colic infants, the searing hunger of stunted children and the incomprehensible babble the elderly eloquently speak in tongues of a desperate exasperation
our nagging impotence swaddle us in ambivalent inabilities to master circumstances profanely denigrating our humanity
privation is our daily bread the bitter manna feasting on the animosity the banquet of rancor generously prepares for peace starved pilgrims
in these refugee camps the cold cuts deeper hunger pangs grow sharper
our blighted dignity, vanished livelihoods, and the presence of recently interred loved ones trudge through our mean encampment as fully enfranchised citizens in our distressed kingdom
what was lost can never be recovered our homeland leveled yet doors still stand open silently pleading all to cross a new threshold
the full restoration of our hope, the reconstitution of our flagging humanity, the spark of the holy spirit willfully uniting us in the salvation of reconciliation is nigh
we are the divine children stoking the embers tending the fire that light pathways through the cold darkness of a broken world
Oh come Emmanuel, dwell among us Oh come Emmanuel ransom once again the poor captives of Israelβ¦.
Selah
Music Selection: L'Accorche-Choeur, Ensemble vocal Fribourg Veni Veni Emmanuel
Everywhere Christmas 2013 jbm
Blessed Christmastide Greetings to all beloved HP friends peace and prayers to all love, jimmy