The Dazzling Darkness – a Christmas poem

 

“There is, some say, in the heart of God, a deep but dazzling darkness.” (Henry Vaughn)

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Deep down,

 

far beneath and beyond

the darkness 

that surrounds us

that seems to cover us

and sometimes smother

the shire,

and our small candle,

 

there is a fire

burning bright.

 

In the center of the night,

in the very heart of darkness

embers glow.

 

Flames flicker, flower-like,

red as roses, 

or strawberries in the snow -

 

like a Rembrandt painting 

 

dark and cold 

but for the halos

of angels or Jesus

shining

bright as gold.

 

Tongues of flame

illuminate

a circle in the night

and animals are dancing

in a labyrinth of light.

.

The air is full of wings.

 

Something holy sings,

 

and Someone 

sweet as Christmas

brings us Home.

 

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