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



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Date: 10/28/2023 8:38:00 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.
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Jennifer Fenn
Date: 10/29/2023 2:10:00 PM
Well thank you! Your beautiful comment made my afternoon!
Date: 2/26/2021 5:05:00 AM
Wonderful poem with many layers capturing the mood of rain, Christmas and carols being sung. Love it. SuZ
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Jennifer Fenn
Date: 2/26/2021 12:55:00 PM
I’m so happy you like it! Thank you for stopping by!
Date: 2/21/2021 4:57:00 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.
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Jennifer Fenn
Date: 2/21/2021 7:26:00 PM
Thank you Jennifer! I’m so glad!
Date: 12/17/2020 8:49:00 PM
I just love your poem, Jennifer. it's so full of nature and music and friendship and Christmas spirit. Beautifully written!
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Jennifer Fenn
Date: 12/17/2020 8:58:00 PM
Well thank you Evelyn Judy! That made my day!
Date: 12/14/2020 7:40:00 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
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Jennifer Fenn
Date: 12/14/2020 1:25:00 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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