A Christmas In Halifax

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Come visit us under pink tinged twilight skies..
among boughs borne under a song laden tree. 
In fair view of land, meadows green coiling rise,
one hundred twenty counted souls, and me.

The older children play, running in sun washed petticoats,
hair pulled back in pigtails & ribbons, an untied shoelace floats.
Their errant hoops gone tumbling over a dew covered hill,
wonder if sun refused to shine, and not mourning them still.

How resplendent a vessel, White Star's ship of dreams,
carried their passion as coal fed fired boiler steams.
Only to sink 'neath the waves, irony in iron age..
On maiden voyage Ides of April, warned her last writ page.

To the new world go mother, father, sisters and brothers, 
prayers spent all would reach safety of harbor's bustling dock.
America's shores promised in the letters of others...
went as sheep to the shearer in Reaper's growing flock.

To third class cabin dimlit, down three flights of stairs,
their mortal passage payed so high a forlorned cost.
Waiting their turn for grace, their last supper's prayers,
scrape of ice., gaping ocean roared, in darkness lost.

God bore them one and all 'way from the tortured deep, 
to cold windswept mount where saints and survivors weep.

   	
"Nothing in my hands I bring, simply to Thy cross I cling"

Copyright © | Year Posted 2020



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Date: 2/27/2021 6:52:00 PM
Wow! This is a touching poem, Richard. I never knew about this particular incident, but it is universally relevant. It makes me think of the refugees who try to escape from north Africa to Europe by crossing the Mediterranean and die at sea.
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Quoth Theraven
Date: 2/28/2021 1:04:00 PM
Jennifer, Thanks, you're right. So many happenings under the heavens, under a forgiving sun. Happy Sunday.. -Richard
Date: 1/19/2021 12:32:00 AM
Sad, the things people endure while trying to find a better life. Beautifully crafted write.
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Quoth Theraven
Date: 2/28/2021 1:01:00 PM
M.L., Life endures and goes on. That's the important thing. We live. And we are the voices for those who've lost both. -Richard
Date: 12/29/2020 2:14:00 PM
Sad story told in poetic form. I don't think I have heard about this but it must be similar to the Titanic. Thanks for the visit to my page. I appreciate you stopping by and the prayer.Sara
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Quoth Theraven
Date: 12/29/2020 8:28:00 PM
Sara, Sorry about that. I didn't mention any ship by name except mention of a 'ship of dreams'. Also known as RMS Titanic. Their souls lie at rest, each one passed His ultimate test. -Richard
Date: 12/25/2020 5:24:00 PM
Richard~ My family and I just shared your touching verse, soul and music. Wonderful, my friennd, sheer artistry. A FAV. God be with you, Still Christmas Evening here, Panagiota xx
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Quoth Theraven
Date: 12/25/2020 9:07:00 PM
Still Christmas here, and so near to my heart... God bless you and a Merry Christmas poet and friend. -Richard
Date: 12/25/2020 2:57:00 AM
Richard, if ever I get to Halifax...I will join you for a prayer...so well written and expressed. Merry Christmas my friend. Blessings.. -Charlie
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Quoth Theraven
Date: 12/25/2020 5:50:00 PM
Charles, I was always fascinated by the tale of the RMS Titanic, and her little sister ship RMS Olympic. Read all the books I could get. I figure Christmas is as good a time as any for remembering. I'll raise my glass to all of them in Fairview come this New Year's day. -Richard
Date: 12/24/2020 7:35:00 PM
Thanks for sharing this. Likewise... Cheering you with blest Christmas spirit, while sharing you "... the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 6:23 of the King James Bible). God bless you.
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Quoth Theraven
Date: 12/24/2020 7:54:00 PM
Beata, A passage from Luke, And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. I wish you a Merry Christmas Beata. -Richard
Date: 12/24/2020 6:45:00 PM
so very sad. So well written, Richard! Just had to visit you this Eve to say merry Christmasl.
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Quoth Theraven
Date: 12/24/2020 8:02:00 PM
Andrea, I am so glad for the visit and comment. If I ever get to Halifax I'll say a prayer for the 121 in Fairview Lawn. For now I'll tip my hat to one of the finest poets I've had the privilege to know. With a dreamy heart as big as any Christmas bow. Merry Christmas Andrea. -Richard
Date: 12/23/2020 12:55:00 PM
Your poem is so beautifully written, loved it, Thank you for sharing, God bless, and Merry Christmas to you and yours. xo
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Quoth Theraven
Date: 12/24/2020 10:00:00 PM
Mystic Rose aka Pixie Dust, It was right there in your poems. I found a little piece of salvation from you. I hope my wishes for a Merry Christmas will make do. -Richard
Date: 12/21/2020 6:27:00 AM
You are truly gifted my friend...Merry Christmas, Richard. Charlie
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Quoth Theraven
Date: 12/22/2020 9:12:00 PM
charles, Thank you, I would say the same for you. Been a strange year that saw me through. I hope it's done the same for you. Merry Christmas Charles... -Richard
Date: 12/20/2020 5:19:00 AM
Wow, this is such a powerful poem. Well written! I hope all is well and you have a nice season and Merry Christmas :)
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Quoth Theraven
Date: 12/22/2020 9:07:00 PM
Heidi, Thank you, and I wish a Merry Christmas to you. You have been a devoted poet in Poetry Soup and so much more than that. You are loved, what ever happens, please know that. -Richard
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