‘This is the season to be jolly’
suggested Catullus in his poem,
where winter solstice was nothing
less but ‘the best of days’,
as pagans celebrated Saturnalia
in honour of god Saturn preparing,
public banquets inviting slaves
to seat at tables in revels partake,
exchanging gifts in joyous haven
while others payed reverent homage
to the Sun in expectation of better weather,
as spring silently approached.
‘This is the season to be jolly’
we now sing euphoric as December
announces days of festivities,
worldwide kindness and praise,
adorning trees, conifers evergreen,
spruce pine or fir with sparkling lights,
silver gold red blue balls once apples,
fruit of knowledge of good and evil
from the Bible, notes played on pianos,
‘Chestnuts roasting on an open fire’,
in cosy homes where kids excited
await in anticipation for Santa Claus,
Saint Nick, Kris Kringle, Father
Christmas depending on where they live,
all who were once only Saint Nicholas
the generous 4th century bishop from Greece,
known for his gifts.
‘This is the season to be jolly’
choirs carol in streets and chapels,
knocking from door to door
to spread the joy, an atmosphere,
to commemorate the great event
for ‘Christ is born in Bethlehem’.
Voices rise inciting ‘Peace on earth
and mercy mild, God and sinners
reconciled’. A message of love
for all to repose axes and hatchets,
‘Say Hello to friends you know
and everyone you meet’ sing along.
Yet, in the Holy Land of Jerusalem
all is not calm, all is not bright, not
a silent night, for people are mourning
the death of peace departed
many moons ago giving rise,
to endless successions of wars,
promises and betrayals on behalf
of those, claiming terrestrial power
subdued by greed for more. So people
of all religions and colours,
Christians, Muslims and Jews gather
not in unison but in conflict crying
out in despair misery and anger,
for perpetual injustice by the grave
of ‘The new born king’ sighing
for he too is wondering whether
With dawn will come redeeming grace.
[Featured photo: Jerusalem, artist unknown]