From Denny: Too often, in each generation, we think our society is on the wrong track and that we are the only ones who believe war is foolish and delays Peace on Earth. Read this thoughtful poet's feelings as mysteriously Peace gently drifts nearby, gifting him a powerful awareness... These words are as powerful today as the moment he wrote it.
Christmas Bells
By Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
I heard the bells on Christmas Day
Their old, familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet
The words repeat
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
And thought how, as the day had come,
The belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along
The unbroken song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
Till, ringing, singing on its way
The world revolved from night to day,
A voice, a chime,
A chant sublime
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
Then from each black, accursed mouth
The cannon thundered in the South,
And with the sound
The Carols drowned
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
And in despair I bowed my head;
‘There is no peace on earth,’ I said;
‘For hate is strong,
And mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!’
Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
‘God is not dead; nor doth he sleep!
The Wrong shall fail,
The Right prevail,
With peace on earth, good-will to men!’
*** THANKS for visiting and have a great holiday season!Photo Credit: Mission San Miguel Photo by howardignatius @ flickr
*** For more Christmas poems and other Christmas thoughts:
The Nativity Christmas Story Retold Thru Unusual Questions
Christmas Poem by Longfellow: The Three Kings
Christmas Story: The Gift of the Magi
Christmas Story: Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus
Christmas Poem: Some Children See Him
