With needled branches, lushly painted green,
Where angels wait in hope, a silent song.
Amid such dreams, my life, in shadows seen,
Till you, in kindness, came to walk along.
Your grace, like sunlight, warmed my frozen fears,
You lifted branches weighed with doubts and pain.
In arms so warm, a haven pure appears,
Where blossoms bloom and hope begins again.
Your love a lantern, lighting winter’s night,
You guided me through storms with gentle sway.
Through past despair, you brought a joy so bright,
In every gaze, the warmth of Christmas Day.
So here I stand, no longer lost, but found,
With you, my comfort, love and life abound.
Author’s Notes:
This Shakespearean sonnet draws inspiration from the metaphor of the angel tree, a concept popularized by charitable organizations during the Christmas season, most notably the Salvation Army. In this program, a Christmas tree is decorated with “angel” tags, each representing a child or individual in need, with their specific wishes listed. Kind-hearted donors select a tag and provide gifts corresponding to the wishes, symbolizing the act of giving and support.
The metaphor is used to tell a story of personal transformation and love. The tree, adorned with needs and hopes, represents a period of life filled with challenges and longing. The arrival of a compassionate figure, likened to a donor choosing an angel from the tree, marks a turning point. This beloved individual brings light, warmth, and fulfillment, much like how an Angel Tree gift brings joy to its recipient. The poem celebrates this transformative power of love and kindness, encapsulating the spirit of Christmas and deep gratitude for the life-changing encounter.
Dedicated to my wife, Dianne, a past president and current member of The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary.
Beautiful!
Betty, thank you. I truly appreciate your support.
Beautiful.
Thank you, Jane. This one was a pleasure to write.