Rain and Snow on Christmas Day
In songs of old and times of yore,
_‘Tis Snow that rules the day,
Her lacy crystals dress the land,
_With bridal white array.
The towers housing silver bells,
_That ring on Christmas morn,
All sing the praise of Snow the Fair,
_Their downy roofs reborn.
Yes, Carolers and Bards alike,
_Go with her door to door,
And though she has an icy touch,
_She makes their spirits soar.
But Snow, though lovely she may be,
_Is not an only child,
She has an older sister, Rain,
_Whose touch is far more mild.
And yet there is no song for Rain,
_No praise on Christmas day,
The Bells, and Bards, and Carolers,
_All bid her go away.
But still she visits every door,
_Her droplets gems of blue,
With song and dance for every house,
_She makes the land like new.
Yes, Rain prefers a damper tone,
_A chant for mourners too,
She gives sweet words to graves afresh,
_And sheds her tears anew.
Though Snow the fair is sought by all,
_At every Christmas tide,
The water maid with hyssop branch,
_Still laughs and does not chide.
For as of old and times of yore,
_On every Christmas morn,
The sisters Snow and Rain as one,
_Give praise to Christ now born.
Lauren V. Leon is a pianist, amateur poet, writer, and Catholic artist. She resides in Riverside, California, and works as a parish musician, choir director, and private piano instructor.
Excellent meter and lovely flow, Lauren.
Thank you, Margaret!
A poem in praise of snow and rain. I like it.
My favourite line, near the beginning, is ‘Her lacy crystals dress the land, /With bridal white array.’ What an inspired image – one amongst many.
Thanks for the read, Lauren.
Thanks, Paul! I thought it was a fun idea, and I am glad you like those lines in particular because my grammar checker tried to convince me that I needed to change them.
A gorgeous nature fable in ballad form, Lauren. The description of “Snow the Fair” reminds me of both Sleeping Beauty and the equally famed Flower Fairies. Indeed, your “Rain,” a “water maid with hyssop branch,” suggests one of those exquisite drawings of children in botanical dress. And your slender narrative brings in a full cast of supporting Christmas characters, appropriately saving the announcement of Christ’s birth for the final line of the poem, just as it might be in a carol. This piece would make a worthy addition to any Christmas anthology.
Thank you so much for the kind words, Margaret! This is the greatest compliment I have ever received, and I am elated that you so eloquently expressed what I hoped to convey through this poem, from the fairy tale-esque descriptions to the supporting Christmas cast. Although I must confess, I had not heard of “botanical dress.” Yet, you landed on exactly what I had in mind (though I did not have the words to express it).
Thank you again,
Sincerely,
Lauren V. Leon
I really enjoyed reading this: an original idea, expressed neatly and melodically with a light touch. Thanks for sharing it, Lauren.
As a musician, I can appreciate your feedback, Martin. Thanks for reading!
Lauren, you captured a lovely scene and moment to give the reader an illusion of freshness and beauty which tantalizes the senses. Put to music it can easily be a special seasonal reminder.
Thanks, Kadee! I wanted my poem to feel refreshing since water is the main subject matter. I am glad you enjoyed it.
not strictly a song about Christmas rain, but triggered by it (Noctua pronuba is a moth with winter-active caterpillars): “Well, it has been a green Christmas in Ottawa. Temp is +1° C and headed to +3° C with showers today.” 26 Dec 2023.
I’m dreaming of a green Christmas
when photosynthesis goes on,
When pronuba nibbles, and parliaments quibble
promoting oily profits’ song.
I’m dreaming of a green Christmas
With every lobbyist who’s paid
To strain his tonsils to promote fossils
in horrid braying carol strains…
I’m dreaming of a green Christmas
With Crocodyles on Baffin’s Isle
Where greenhouse gasses, we sing, surpasses
The Eocene that’s back in style.