© Kristen Caven 2006
(word by Felix Baum - read his poem here)
Please observe my Creative Commons License.
poem by Kristen Caven
In ancient times, when nights were long,
There’d come a time for hope and song.
A holiday for light and food,
Togetherness — a festive mood.
The main religions all emerged,
And in our cities they've converged.
Though focusing on family,
They each do solstice differently.
Christmas cheers a new baby,
And gifts beneath a lighted tree.
Ramadaan, a month of fast.
Then gifts and light — a feast at last.
Kwanzaa week is full of light,
A different principle each night.
Hannukah has candles, too,
Eight nights of prayers in Hebrew.
But when we're faced with chilly weather,
Neighbors like to feast together.
To share presents, food and light
To warm against the dark of night.
This winter, let us co-create
A festival to celebrate.
Invite your friends from work and school;
Inclusiveness shall be the rule!
Keep your own traditions clear,
But to their common truths adhere:
Gratefulness, divinity,
Charity, and memory.
Let's celebrate community
with kente cloth *and* Christmas tree,
Respect headscarf and Hannukah; it's
"Chrisramakwanzanukkah!"