Sonata For Christmas Eve Rain

SONATA FOR CHRISTMAS EVE RAIN

I.	 I sit in my friend’s armchair,
waiting for her to get ready for church.
Pianissimo, the raindrops fall in quick, staccato rhythm 
on the windows, the roof, and the pool.
I imagine the circles they make on the water.
expanding in echoes only angels can hear.

II.	We drive through the valley’s empty green pastures,
to the old country church in Academy.
The raindrops run down the windshield
like notes connecting in smooth legato phrases
made by a piano’s pedal.

III.	A fire crackles in the church’s ancient woodstove,
joining the outside rain in an animated duet.
Lead by the antique pump organ,
we stand to sing, becoming part
of their Christmas carol.

Published in Song of the San Joaquin, Winter 2018
Copyright © | Year Posted 2020

Poem

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Kingston Avatar
October 28, 2023 at 8:38 PM
I found this to be such a relaxing peaceful poem. It's fun to 'see' as I read. I am looking forward to Christmas now. Your last 2 sentences in your first group of lines are beautiful. I wonder if only "angels can hear" the sounds in our hearts as we read your lovely yuletide friendship poem.
Fenn Avatar
October 29, 2023 at 2:10 PM
Well thank you! Your beautiful comment made my afternoon!
Delaney Avatar
February 26, 2021 at 5:05 AM
Wonderful poem with many layers capturing the mood of rain, Christmas and carols being sung. Love it. SuZ
Fenn Avatar
February 26, 2021 at 12:55 PM
I’m so happy you like it! Thank you for stopping by!
Proxenos Avatar
February 21, 2021 at 4:57 AM
What a wonderful prelude you have penned my friend, and so in sync with the fire cracking in the old woodstove, in the church - I do love Christmas carols, it actually is the nicest part of Christmas for me. Great poem, this is certainly a fave for me. Hugs and blessings, Jennifer.
Fenn Avatar
February 21, 2021 at 7:26 PM
Thank you Jennifer! I’m so glad!
Buehler Avatar
December 17, 2020 at 8:49 PM
I just love your poem, Jennifer. it's so full of nature and music and friendship and Christmas spirit. Beautifully written!
Fenn Avatar
December 17, 2020 at 8:58 PM
Well thank you Evelyn Judy! That made my day!
Fowler Avatar
December 14, 2020 at 7:40 AM
This is a wonderful sonata and the comforting Christmas carol with the rain is brilliant! I love the many old rural churches few have tried to maintain. Imagine the Words spoken and voices lifted in praise within their walls. Very lovely Jennifer! Linda
Fenn Avatar
December 14, 2020 at 1:25 PM
Thank you Linda, for being the first to comment on it. So happy you like it! I though I invented this form (3 parts with different moods, all describing sounds with musical terms) but then I discovered the German poet Herman Hesse before my time wrote one!
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