poems written for the anthology in 2023
WARMTH
There should be reasons to bring warmth
into the hearts with feelings cold.
Corners of blankets shift to let in
the aroma of hot coffee brewing.
Doors prefer to remain shut
to keep the chill in the wind out.
They try to preserve the tepidity of interiors,
more to be prevented from dripping
onto the melting queries outside.
The aloofness of the armchair unfathomed
at the dim teatimes in the silent sit out.
Evenings slip quietly into darkness of night;
most eyes and ears glued to murmuring gadgets.
Never silent, the clock struggles hard
to catch up with time, as it did yesterday
Winter has left the trees like shaking skeletons,
thin fingers feel the coldness of the spoon.
Steaming porridge warms the cutlery and throat
how long before the hearts regain their warmth
Winter waits for the spring, far away
an unexpected loud knock seeking the door.
A bouquet of white lilies, nurse smiles in routine
moves me gently, still smiling, her face calm
towards the prayer hall, its soft music.
Some heads turn, some droop to sleep
some move with the rhythm of the piano.
Once more, will once more will it be warm?
will the temperature around read 23℃?
Mist refuses to drift, eyes closed to sunshine
frozen in time forever, may live in memories warm.
Boundless Joy
Journey long, seems nowhere to end
Sand once hot, now bitterly cold
Where am I trudging to? town after town
Master looks again at the winter sky lit by the moon.
Shepherds cross us with song and dance
Star of hope bright, when animosity wraps like haze.
Dried figs and fruits they shared
Master gave them copper, then listened;
The miracle of the newborn in a manger
Morning lead us to dusk to behold the wonder
Cows moo in joyous revere, in their shelter
A lullaby soft, a wintry night’s prayer.
Burden on me lifelong, here it I alight now
In my Lord’s presence humbly, I bow
Gives me boundless joy, I see kindness flow
Hoofs race me to my master’s home as cold winds blow.

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