Shake the Bones
Shake the Bones
by John O’Brien, Jr.
Christmas smells and sounds drift through the house.
The sun is shining brightly. There is no snow
But the cold and wind shake the bones, the panes
Shudder and stress. Sticks against the racing clouds
On the beautiful blue canvas of the half clear sky
Cinnamon and pine and the green, red and gold
Brightly tantalize the nose and the eyes.
Ave Maria, O Holy Night. Tynan in my ears
Praise and wonder in my mind.
Regret not the confusion, the chaos and the urgency
Of preparation. Of Thanksgiving. Of Christmas.
Anything that can make people gather, exchange hugs,
kisses and handshakes, without an agenda.
That draws people together across miles, continents and anger
Is worth celebrating itself, let alone for the miracle that spawned it
Contact, in cards and letters and pictures sent, seeing old friends
Reunions, the healing power of hugs
The healing power of God
And they say they don’t see God at work in our world today.