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.
Carolers Wrap the Season
by Raynette Eitel
In cold snow-dreams tied with fa-la-la ribbons,
And in nostalgia, prickly with holly,
Damp with tears, sharp with memories of
Melodies thick with the cinnamon scent of Christmas,
A holy hush hovers between the songs.
It is an empty space filled with Bethlehem
As a silver star slips along the sky
Showing the way surely, silently
To all who would search.
Once again, the music pulses its proclamation
“Gloria in Excelsis Deo!”
Pouring arpeggios like candies bursting from a piñata
Leaving the listeners on their knees
Scrambling for a morsel,
And breathless with ecstasy.
The carolers turn to leave
Calling out “Merry Christmas!”
And though they are gone, their music remains.
It is a package, pulsing like a candle in the darkness.
Those listening are not sure for a moment
Whether Bethlehem is near or far.
Writing Rhetorically 