As the holiday season approaches <br />Many of us wonder <br />Should we celebrate Christmas and New Year <br />As much of 2008 <br />Was marred by pain <br /> <br />With icons falling <br />Falsehoods exposed <br />Markets failing, confidence breaking <br />Violence and hatred <br />Seem to be holding forth <br /> <br />And yet, amidst this upheaval <br />Sprouts hope for change <br />That our sacrifices are not in vain <br />As we watched the so-called pillars <br />Of modern society crumble <br /> <br />Almost imperceptibly, <br />Old values, glue stronger <br />As new ones spring up <br />Linking our past to the future <br />Soon we will share stories of living through <br />A redefinition of humanity <br /> <br />So let us celebrate <br />The gifts of life and love <br />Of friendship and laughter <br />Of the way of the spirit, that links us <br />To the immeasurable spirit of life itself <br /> <br />Let us remember <br />And draw into our circle <br />Those who have lost <br />Love, hope, and life <br />For their sacrifices are not unsung <br /> <br />Let us also remember <br />And draw into our circle <br />Those who are chained <br />By fear and hatred <br />For their hearts to be set free <br /> <br />Let this be our hope and prayer <br />This special season, for the primacy <br />Of love, hope and giving <br />Are needed now, <br />More than ever before.<br /><br />Anita Atina<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/should-we-celebrate-christmas-and-new-year/
