Daniel Henry Rodgers | + Follow Poet |
Lyric | + Fav Poem | Comment | Email | Print |

Christmas Dream Within the Child

I woke last night and read my Poe
and asked is all that we see or seem
but a dream within a dream of a dream?
I know what I don’t know what I know.

In Bethlehem’s cradle, a Child lay still
love's eternal flame, born to fulfill.
Mary, enraptured gazed upon God’s will
as rosemary-scented blessings breathed His name
and angels sang truth’s unending acclaim.

The star above unwavering in its aura
drew Magi bearing wisdom’s richest store
gold, myrrh, incense, and herbs fragrant gifts they bore
their homage offered on that stable floor
where faith and reason met and hearts would soar.

Mary’s heart surged like an ocean wide
its tides drawn forth by heaven’s gentle might.
beside her Joseph stood—a steadfast guide
his quiet strength a beacon in the night.
together they would face both joy and pain
love’s cost endured its truth would still remain.

The Christ-Child lay on fennel’s fragrant fronds
perfection swaddled softly in humility
prophets’ words through centuries widespread
a balm for fractured souls of humanity
healing wounds where brokenness had tread.

In that lowly stable, all creation knelt low
stars knelt as heaven’s leaven blessed the earth.
mint and thyme sang Arcadia’s verdant rebirth
while heaven stitched its grace through mortal calm
and mortal hearts were seized by holy awe.

Mary’s fingers brushed His tender hand
fragile warmth cradling eternity’s command.
in that touch heaven’s promise softly lay
a love that dawns and never fades away.

O God, my God! can I not save
one from the pitless grave?
then my soul awakened.

The Incarnation shattered every wall
as Love’s decree reigned over dualism’s grave
basil’s herbaceous crown adorned the scene
a verdure of hope where grace would grow.
a bridge uniting souls He sought to save
chains broken, captive minds set free.

Pragmatism bowed to faith’s tender power
as chives adorned the darkened winter night.
existence found its most triumphant hour
when truth appeared—embodied Purest Light
relativism knelt before His great might.

Determinism’s chains were cast away
oregano’s warmth like Hope’s bold refrain.
Rose of Sharon dispelled spirits of dismay
hedonism humbled on that glorious day
by altruism’s call, infinite, rare.

Materialism quailed ‘neath kenosis’ weight
as hypostatic union bridged heaven’s height.
The Infinite stooped to a finite state.

Cilantro’s breath, like Eden’s primal air
heralded life-breaking death’s cold lair.
nihilism crumbled before heaven’s gentle gate
as hope emerged—the end to mortal strife
revealing mercy’s truth divinely rife.

Phenomenology in awe did trace
eternity within the Child’s soft face
skepticism softened drawn to serene
faith and grace entwined, so wondrously seen
an answer to humanity’s deep-felt prayer.

Empiricism met the sacred, white as snow
granite eroded by gentle streams.
Mary’s musings melded with midnight’s mystic glow
her gaze a mirror caught the light to show
how God through flesh His children came to save
through her the vessel—humble, brave.

You are wrong who deem
that my ways are filled with schemes
that my days have been but a dream within a dream

So I shout let all hearts ascend in awe-struck wonder
to Christmas skies ablaze with thunder.
O Holy Night! A hymn of love
that heals the torn asunder.
the dream restored through this most Sacred Light.

In Bethlehem’s Child, our souls find their voice
Listen... Eternity sings Rejoice! Rejoice!! Rejoice!!!

Infinity wrapped itself in swaddling bands
the finite cradled what no mind could span
uniting heaven and earth throughout the land.

O Holy Night, the stars are brightly shining!

Please Login to post a comment

Kim Rodrigues Date: 1/18/2025 10:26:00 AM Just read of your severe cold…glad you are better! I was sick before Christmas. Seems to happen in the cold months. Login to Reply

Hilda Greenhough Date: 1/8/2025 8:08:00 PM This is a beautiful rhyming poem of the birth of Jesus. I found it to be deeply spiritual. Login to Reply Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 1/14/2025 10:20:00 AM Dear Hilda, Happy New Year!! Thank you and I am sorry I am getting back late. I was under the weather and on vacation at the same time. So poetic I guess. I always appreciate your words. Winter Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Tom Woody Date: 1/7/2025 8:27:00 AM Hello. Just checking in to make sure you're ok. I don't comment on holiday poems which is why I haven't been by of late. More important, saw you hadn't responded to comments since 12/19. Let us know how you're doing Login to Reply Tom Woody Date: 1/14/2025 7:49:00 AM Ugh! I know what you mean. Going through it right now on my 10th day. Wife too. Some kind of nasty flu going around Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 1/14/2025 7:21:00 AM Hello Tom, I am thankful for your outreach. I have been on vacation for the past two weeks and during that time I have had the worst lingering cold. It has caused a lot of sleepless nights of coughing. I spent a little time coming up with ideas for new poems and hope to release several this next month. I am now back as of this week and hope to be more engaging again. Although I still have some lingering issues. Winter Blessings, My Dear Friend, and Again Thank You, Daniel

S.Zaynab Kamoonpuri Date: 1/6/2025 11:34:00 AM A wonderful poem on the supernatural event of Jesus's birth, loved the mention of the magi presenting their gifts. Kudos! >>>>>>>>>>><<<< plz also read and comment my newest poem too. Login to Reply Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 1/14/2025 10:21:00 AM Hello S. Zaynab, Happy New Year and I am very appreciative of your visit. Yes, Jesus is the reason! Winter Blessings, My Friend, Daniel

Victor Buhagiar Date: 1/6/2025 10:01:00 AM What a beautiful picture and, even more, an excellent poem on the Nativity. You created a scene that will always be remembered by people of goodwill. Login to Reply Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 1/14/2025 10:23:00 AM Dear Vicotr, Happy New Year!! Sorry for the late response but I was sick for two weeks and at the same time on vacation. Go figure! LOL! Thank you for your visit and your words of encouragement. Winter Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Jennifer Proxenos Date: 1/6/2025 5:59:00 AM Hi Daniel my friend, forgive me for not answering you sooner, but your message in this breathtaking Christmas poem brought out the meaning, the glory given, the humbleness, the spirituality, implicit faith, unconditional love and the pure joy of the Birth of our Saviour which we celebrate every year, but sometimes we all need to be reminded by your outstanding poem, that we should all concentrate more on your precious eloquent words about the 'BABE BORN IN SWADDLING CLOTHES IN A MANGER', who brought his Sacred Light to humankind. Blessings and a Happy New Year to you and your family. Jennifer. Login to Reply Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 1/14/2025 10:24:00 AM Happy New Year! Jennifer, I am also sorry for my lateness. Unfortunately, I have had a severe cold over the past two weeks and at the same time on vacation. I am always grateful for your words and uplifting thoughts. Winter Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Moon Harp Date: 1/5/2025 10:20:00 AM Daniel, I just now read this, here weeks late in the reading. I am blown away. This is beyond gorgeous, and I love your philosophical take "As love's decree ruled over dualism's grave..." Marvelous, and well crafted. Login to Reply Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 1/14/2025 10:26:00 AM Dear MH, Thanks for your words of encouragement! Sorry for the late response. I have had a severe cold for two weeks that put me behind. I am always grateful for your comments. Winter Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Karen Jones Date: 1/4/2025 12:56:00 AM Daniel you’ve outdone yourself with this masterpiece! Bravo! Happy New Year! Login to Reply Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 1/14/2025 10:27:00 AM Dear Karen, You filled my heart with your words and I am forever grateful. Sorry for the late response; unfortunately, I have had a severe cold for the past several weeks. I know I am getting better but it has taken awhile. Winter Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Len Gasun Date: 1/3/2025 10:17:00 PM Oh, wow! I love so much this beautiful tale of nativity from your golden pen my dear poet friend Daniel. An outstanding poem and song. Thank you so much for sharing! Belated Merry Christmas and A Happy, Healthy and Porsperous New Year 2025 to you and your famiy! Login to Reply Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 1/14/2025 10:29:00 AM Happy New Year, Len! Thank you so much for your amazing thoughts!! Sorry for the late response; unfortunately, I have had a severe cold for the past two weeks. Winter Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Paige Hind Date: 1/3/2025 5:37:00 PM Sorry I am reading this so past Christmas - I love your language and imagery...beautiful Login to Reply Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 1/14/2025 10:31:00 AM Dear Paige, Thank you for your uplifting words. Sorry for my late response; a severe cold over the past several weeks slowed me down a little. Winter Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Deb M Date: 1/3/2025 8:49:00 AM An amazing and captivating tale of the nativity Daniel…really enjoyed! Happy New Year my friend! Debx Login to Reply Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 1/14/2025 10:33:00 AM Dear Deb, Thank you for your wonderful note and it was very uplifting. Sorry for the late response. I have had a severe cold for several weeks, which slowed me down a little. Winter Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Valsa George Date: 12/31/2024 2:01:00 AM Wow.... what a lovely Christmas poem, one of the best I have ever read. "So I shout let all hearts ascend in awe-struck wonder to Christmas skies ablaze with thunder. O Holy Night! A hymn of love that heals the torn asunder." How beautifully you have expressed the meaning and message of Christmas. Indeed Jesus's birth was the greatest hymn of love.... a reminder that even in the darkest of times, light can be found. Christmas promises peace to all. It heals those who are torn asunder. Lovely poem dear Daniel. Goes into my FAVE. Wish you a New Year of Peace, Joy and Prosperity! Login to Reply Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 1/14/2025 10:35:00 AM Dear Valsa, I always love your most amazing comments and your words just lift my soul. Thank You!! Sorry for my late response but I have had the worst cold that lingered on for a long time and it slowed me down a little. Happy New Year and Winter Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Nette Onclaud Date: 12/28/2024 10:13:00 PM ohhh, your poesy brims with the glorious meaning of Christ's birth, Daniel...this work is mint! happy holydaya to you and the fam. Login to Reply Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 1/14/2025 10:38:00 AM Happy New Year, Nette, Thanks so much for your beautiful comments and it fills me up. Sorry for the late response but I have had a severe cold for several weeks and it slowed me down a little. Winter Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Michael Tor Date: 12/28/2024 5:49:00 AM Daniel so sorry I am late to see this marvelous poem of yours. So well crafted using your unique words that create such lovely and nurturing thoughts. Your poetic skills are to be admired. Very much thought goes into this one and the detail is very impressive. Thank you for your effort in creating what is Dear to my heart. God bless you and I wish you a healthy and safe New Year. I am favoring this precious write of yours. Again thank you for the tremendous effort in this one... Login to Reply Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 1/14/2025 10:37:00 AM Dear Michael, I am very thankful for your friendship and your words. God is always blessing us!! Sorry for the late response; unfortunately, I have been dealing with a severe cold for several weeks. I hope you had great holidays! Happy New Year and Winter Blessings, My Friend, Daniel

Duke Beaufort Date: 12/27/2024 5:30:00 PM Daniel, you make a very good point...when we receive the gifts of faith, optimism, and kindness, then we are truly blessed in this life. I hope you will look at my poem...the anger express. It's about therapy and change and I think you will enjoy it very much. I do wish you a wonderful new year and much happiness in the present and future. If anyone is capable of receiving that, I believe it is you since you have no doubt helped a lot of people in this world. Best to you and your family. Smiles! Login to Reply Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 1/14/2025 10:40:00 AM Happy New Year, Duke, Sorry for my late response. Unfortunately, I have had a severe cold for several weeks and I was on vacation at the same time. It slowed me down a little. I look forward to reading your poem on Anger. Winter Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Sam Kauffman Date: 12/27/2024 11:08:00 AM Truly "in Bethlehem's Child, our souls find their voice...Rejoice!" What an amazing poem - the virtual fragrance of the Incarnation, Daniel - a wonderful cradle song sung at the manger. Each verse brings in the people and symbols of the Christmas story. Amazing. Now that Christmas Day is over we get to stand in awe at the manger for twelve days and drink in the glory of the Christ Child through your lyrics. Sending blessings of joy for the Christmas season. Merry Christmas, dear friend. Login to Reply Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 1/14/2025 10:42:00 AM Dear Sam, Happy New Year!! I loved reading your comments on my poem and they fill me with gratitude. Sorry for the late response; unfortunately, I was dealing with a severe cold for several weeks and it got in my way of doing many things. Winter Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Kim Rodrigues Date: 12/26/2024 12:55:00 PM You’ve given us the scents around the Christ child, the awe, Mary’s musings, the ‘isms and ‘ologies! Enjoyed the thoughtful write! Happy New Year, my dear friend! Login to Reply Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 1/14/2025 10:43:00 AM Happy New Year, Kim! Thank you for your lovey words of support! I am sorry about my lateness in responding. Unfortunately, I was dealing with a severe cold for several weeks that slowed me down a little. Winter Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Paul Bell Date: 12/24/2024 4:00:00 AM Just thinking if we had a straw poll on what is the Christmas meaning. Got a feeling Jesus might be down the line a bit. Don't know how it is in the rest of the world, but in Britain it's the alternative Christmas play we get now. Couple of years from now, AI will be the new God. Wonder what Poe would have make of that. Merry Christmas when the time comes, Daniel. Login to Reply Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 1/14/2025 10:46:00 AM Happy New Year Paul!! I recognize so much truth in your words and I have made that prediction that AI will be the new God! But we know that our God is in control of all! Sorry for my late response. I was dealing with a severe cold over the past several weeks that put a crimp in my step. Winter Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Victor Buhagiar Date: 12/24/2024 1:39:00 AM Splendid reflection on the meaning of the Nativity. Divine Love is the crux of your poem. Blessings. Login to Reply Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 1/14/2025 10:47:00 AM Happy New Year, Victor! Thank you so much and yes, Jesus is our Lord and Savior. I am so appreciative of your visits and words of encouragement! Winter Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Tom Cunningham Date: 12/23/2024 11:40:00 AM An amazing narrative of the nativity Daniel, Wishing you a very happy Christmas and good health and happiness in 2025. Tom Login to Reply Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 1/14/2025 10:48:00 AM Hello Tom, I pray you had a wonderful Christmas and Happy New Year!! I could have used your good health blessing! I have been dealing with a cold for several weeks and it slowed me down a little. Winter Blessings, My Friend, Daniel

Darlene De Beaulieu Date: 12/23/2024 11:04:00 AM Hello Daniel, yes my friend, christmas Day is when the babe was born. This is his celebration. As swell as our celebration of Christmas. Merry Christmas , and all the best for the New Year. /Drlene/ Login to Reply Darlene De Beaulieu Date: 1/14/2025 11:29:00 AM Hello Daniel Rodgers, Well I hope you are starting to feel better. Well I am glad you are back. I had to take my cat to the vet for an ultrasound yesterday. Now I am waiting for the results. Winter blessings my friend./Darlene/ Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 1/14/2025 10:50:00 AM Happy New Year Darlene, I am thankful for your words and yes Jesus is our Lord! Sorry for the late response. I have been battling the worst cold I have ever had and it slowed me down. Winter Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel