Pilgrimage

A Lifetime of Christmas Poetry

My mom, Raynette Forister Eitel, passed away in September of 2022, age
85, drifting away into dementia. It was tragic to watch this woman who loved
words, who was a poet and teacher, fade away into wordlessness after a lifetime
of crafting poetry.

Mom had a tradition of writing a new Christmas poem each year and
sending it to friends and relatives. The mailing list grew each year, and
people always told us they looked forward to mom’s Christmas poems. She
published some in a couple little books. There are too many to post just once a
day during the month of December, but I’ll choose some of the best.

Pilgrimage
by Raynette Eitel

I must go back to Bethlehem
Under a song-filled sky.
I long to hear the cattle’s low,
Pierced by a newborn’s cry.

I would turn from wars and strife,
Weary and worn and bent
Just to know the healing touch
Of One Whom the Lord had sent.

I would give up each worldly gain
And never ask for more
If I could humbly kneel in thanks
There by that stable door.

I must go back to Bethlehem
If only for this night;
To fill my ears with angel songs,
My soul with Holy Light.