White Christmas

As the first flakes of snow Floated to the ice-covered pavement Tossed by the harsh winter winds A bare tree, its last leaf stretched on a branch Dead, stood alone In the empty cold It is colder than freezing. But I am warm as I walk The throughfare with my brother Our hands in our pockets, The warmth surrounding us.

A union of lives birthed out

Of One born that holy night,

Made unbreakable of blood shed.

Because He spoke warmth into a dark world

Filled with emptiness

Because He spoke love into a spoilt world

Riddled with hatred

Because he stretched his arms

And died on the bare tree

In that empty world

The purest act of painful love....

My brother and I walked down that street

Together that chilly winter night

And felt the warmth of His touch,

His arms stretched around us.

Wesley L Cheong (Chicago, Illinois)

Dec 25, 1998