The Shortest Day (Poetry)

Short on light. The morning sky
low, depressing, glooms the day
Short on warmth. The winter sun
shows no kindness — hides away

Short on hope. The world still turns
plods more wearily along
Short on faith. The candle burns
but no one knows where God has gone

Short on love. Chock-full of hate
faceless strangers conjure war
Short on truth and understanding
lies are not worth killing for

Short on food. No place to stay
a homeless child begs on the street
Short on fun at Christmastime
an empty bowl beside bare feet

Short on cash. Past years of plenty
lose all colour — fade from sight
Short on dreaming that tomorrow
might dawn cheerful — brave and bright