December Hearth Fires
December was warm where I was born:
the bougainvilleas bled crimson amidst the thorns,
and in the evening hours
the children, the children, walked with naked,
calloused feet upon the gravel roads,
and stopping from gate to gate,
like orioles they huddled,
expectant
for pennies to fall on tiny cupped hands,
from the carols they sang with seraphim voices,
while the hunger raged
unquenchable
beneath their tattered clothes —
December is cold where I have come to stay,
the scarlet berries sparkle upon the glossy leaves,
and in the evening hours
my children, my children, climb up to bed in cotton
nighttime clothes, swept up to heaven’s gate before they sleep,
embraced by love-drenched arms,
but I remember the hungry
angelic faces,
the parched and naked little feet,
their rags of shirts and trousers,
far away
on a warm December night —
I must go back and find
the children, the children,
and bring them to the glowing
hearth fires
of my December.
by D. G. Vachal © 2012
*** Photography by Stephen Butler @Flickr Commons
lilies, sparrows and grass 
oh Dee – and with the horrible news of this day – I wish we could take all children to your safe place
Oh Sandra, yes, what horrible and heartbreaking news today and I join you in wishing that we could take all children to a warm and safe place, free from harm.
Dearest Dee, there is more than magic in these words. There is a longing, a compassion, an understanding of far more than distance. In these words, hope, acceptance, and divine trust ~ trust in a power and love far greater than our little minds can comprehend. In all things, let us love. ~ As ever, Bobbie
Thank you, Bobbie, your words embody my mindset as I wrote this piece. In feeling helpless to address great social needs by our own little efforts, indeed we can trust in a greater power and love that is all knowing, and sees far beyond the reach of our hearts and minds. But one thing we can do, as you say, let us love. Love, Dee
This is beautifully written and touching!
Blessings ~ Wendy
Thank you so much, Wendy! Blessings to you! Dee
This is a beautiful poem. I so love your poems that pop up in my email from time to time. Thankyou.
Mike, Thank you for your lovely visit, and I am delighted to hear your heartening comment on my poems. Best, Dee
Mike, Thank you for your lovely visit, and I am delighted to hear your heartening comment on my poems. Best, Dee
Your words touched my heart, especially today. Beautifully poignant, Dee.
Thank you, Terrie. It is a blessing to know this poem touched your heart. Blessings, Dee
so precious, i love hearing about your childhood. the Lord has given you such a unique perspective. and as always your words convey such sweet emotion. thank you, love you! have a beautiful weekend…
Thank you, Lorna. Yes, the Lord has given me this many-faceted perspective, growing up from far away. Have a beautiful weekend, and love you too!
Such tenderness, such tragedy…both extremes in this lovely poem. Your words always touch my heart, Dee.
Lester
Thank you so much as always, Lester! Am so sorry for the delayed response. I hope you and your family had a blessed Christmas and I wish you and yours the Lord’s blessings, His richest and best in the New Year! with my fondest thoughts and prayers, Dee
Hello liliessparrowsandgrass,
I’ve nominate you for ´The Very Inspirer Award`. You can check it out here:
http://zazumove.wordpress.com/2012/12/17/inspiring-world-the-very-inspirer-award/
Congratulations and a great week!
InLove, Katharina alias ZazuMove
Thank you so much for the wonderful honor! I truly apologize for the delayed response. My congratulations to you for this award! I wish you the most wonderful holiday season and much love and happiness in the New Year!!!
Your words are so soothing and lovely…just a true joy to read! God bless!
And I am touched that you find them so, Wendell! God bless you, too! Dee
I am moved to tears. Beautifully written! Many thanks. Shelley
As I am equally moved by your response to this poem that is dear to my heart, and tugs at my heartstrings. Thank you so much, Shelley! With all my fondest and best wishes to you! Dee
Beautiful my dear!
Thank you, my friend. You make me glad!