Let the festive season commence with this atmospheric original poem, written by celebrated British poet: Naomi Marklew.
Take a minute to breathe and read this aloud, perhaps recite it to your family.
A Garland for Advent
I gathered for you a garland:
poinsettia, cyclamen,
pansies, winter jasmine,
wintersweet, dogwood,
hellebore and holly.
With them I wove a wreath
of ivy and bay,
evergreen spruce,
mistletoe, eucalyptus
and balsam fir.
I filled it with the fruits of winter:
juniper, quince and sloe,
clementine and cranberry,
persimmon, Jerusalem artichoke,
chestnut and chicory.
I spiced it with the scents of the season:
cinnamon and cloves,
sandalwood, cedar,
bergamot, vanilla,
frankincense and myrrh.
And I whispered these words to keep within:
May you know joy in gentleness,
peace to rest in mildness,
and see the candle-soft light
that illuminates the darkness.