You are invited to read Nan Harty’s “Blue Christmas”, a poem with special meaning for this time of year. Giving and receiving gifts has always been an important part of Christmas. Nan’s poem reminds me that the significance of “giving” includes, perhaps at its best, acts of “kindness” and gifts that are not reciprocal.
Tim
Nan Harty has written poetry for over twenty years with themes of nature, place, and people. A “community poet” with something to say quietly in concert with poets who gather and share in libraries, and bookstores, and living rooms all over the Northwest. She is a member of Poets Table in Seattle. She has published a book of poems, THE TELLING OF THE TREES.
"BLUE CHRISTMAS"
Nan Harty
A young colleague, in a new country,
far from family and childhood traditions,
tall and thin, black pants and black sweater
porcelain hands and face –
around her shoulders a lovely soft shawl.
organic green with a small leaf-like weave,
tells me a story of this knitted jewel.
One winter’s night before Christmas, a local church
opens for Blue Christmas, invites the tired and worn,
anyone lonely, or at a loss; poor in pocketbook or spirit.
As people step into the church
A shawl is placed around their shoulders.
Whatever each has come for: shelter from the cold,
strength to shoulder on, the comfort of touch from another,
is embodied in these homemade wraps.
Kindness can be so simple.
CREDITS:
Writer: Nan Harty
Photographer: Lee Lageschulte
Graphic Designer: Tim Olson
Editors: Lorelie & Tim Olson
NESTER url: https://notesfromanester.com
To read Nan’s poem “Ode to Mary Oliver” – click here
