Christmas Poetry Writing Challenge winners and Participant Poetry Feature.

 We congratulate our winners - 

1. Dr Romila Chitturi. 

2. Sujata Maggoo. 

3. Bhawana Sethi. 

4. Meera PK. 

and our most active participant, Poornima Sivaraman Ma'am. 

We wish them and everyone a Merry Christmas. 

Day 1 - Prompt 

Christmas Tree. 

By - Dr Romila Chitturi. 

From winter’s breath and frozen ground,

A scent of pine is gathered around.

We welcome in the heavy bough,

To honor winter's silent vow.

The forest spirit, wild and true,

Now stands inside to bloom anew.

Upon the needles, dark and deep,

The wires wake from summer sleep.

A sudden spark, an amber glow,

Defies the drifting, falling snow.

Each tiny bulb, a beacon bright,

To push away the longest night.

Then come the boxes, dusty, old,

With stories that the trinkets hold.

A glass bird clipped with a rusted spring,

A wooden angel on the wing.

We hang the past with tender care,

Suspended in the balsam air.

The tinsel falls like silver rain,

Reflected in the window pane.

It forms a world within a world,

Where magic leaves are soft unfurled.

No longer just a timber tree,

But anchored hope for all to see.

At last, we place the star on high,

Beneath the rafters, near the sky.

The room is changed, the mood is set,

With moments we will not forget.

A quiet peace, a warm decree,

surrounds the shining Christmas tree.

By - Sujata Maggoo. 

A Christmas tree shines brightly,

Clothed in dreams of gold and light.

They whisper carols ancient,

"Stories warm, forever told."

Stars come cascading in a silvery light,

Candlelit candles protect each boyhood dream.

Ornaments of joy & cheer,

Hold the laugh of the year.

Ribbons enfold the silent air,

Everyone believes in hope.

Tiny bells in soft refrain,

"Ring out love, erase the pain."

Gifts beneath in patient sleep,

Promises the Heart Will Keep.

Grounded in faith and grace,

Here finds its resting place peace.

Behind this soft luminance,

 "Kindness learns to rise and grow.

By - Bhawana Sethi 

The Sentinel's Acrid Hope

The pine's acrid scent, a lone green hug of grace,

Stands illuminated, solace for the crowded place.

Its brilliant star reflects where triumph overcomes doubt,

Pointing to truths beyond the hurried, everyday route.

It cuts the wall's darkness where wealth divides the view,

Let one small justice answer the voiceless call we rue.

May this bright vigil, standing firm upon the sod,

Remind us of our mutual, sacred trust with God.

A hand reached out, ensuring space for every soul's pride,

Let this vibrant, evergreen belief be what we sow and abide.

By - Meera Krishnan.

Life like a Christmas Tree.

Life looks like a Christmas tree,

It starts with a broad base-

A family awaits us

With happiness and joy,

Rejoicing in the moment

We step onto the earth.

Then, as life grows

Year by year,

The broad base 

Begins to shrink.

Love from family remains,

But joy lingers

Depending on the 

Achievements we make.

It shrinks and shrinks,

Just how conical

A Christmas tree becomes

From its base.

Joy slowly sharpens

Into a conical end,

Edged with reality,

Loved ones encircling-

By our participant Poornima Sivaraman.

Come December, the spirit 

wakes,

Hearts grow light for Christ's sake.

Out comes the tree form stored space,

Or a new one finds its place.

What does the glowing tree portray?

Goodwill is blooming day by day,

Kindness  shared and laughter free,

Dancing around the Christmas tree.

Children  hear of Santa dear,

Whispered tales, they love to hear.

Softly he comes in silent  night,

Bearing gifts with pure delight.

Morning breaks with eager cheer,

Tiny footsteps drawing near.

Packets opened, joy runs high,

Wonder shining in each eye.

Streets and Churches warmly glow,

Candles flicker, bells ring low,

Prayers and greetings freely flow- 

Christmas cheer for all to know.