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Mike Bonikowsky writes about the struggle to find peace during Advent when life feels far from calm. He explores the tension between outside expectations and internal reality. His words highlight the vulnerability many experience amid the holiday’s demands.
Photo by Amelie & Niklas Ohlrogge on Unsplash
This is the fourth in a series of poems about Christmas, this Christmas. Through the framing device of the five Advent candles that mark the progression of the season in various Christian traditions, they will attempt to speak the truth about Christmas in congregant care, both to and from those experiencing it.
IV. Peace. I am afraid this time of year. It is so dark, and then so bright So happy, then suddenly sad The music is always so loud And the lights are always changing. It gets inside my head and heart ‘Til they don’t know what’s happening Everyone tells me to be glad Everyone tells me I should sing, Says ‘Peace, peace,’ But there is no peace. I think I need to be alone I need to sit in a corner On the bare flat unmoving floor I need to stare at just one thing Not see, hear, think of any else. So I go into my corner, And I wait for the Lord to come: Small enough for me to carry Plain enough for me to look at Quiet enough for me to hear With the peace only he can give.
About the Author:
Mike Bonikowsky:
Mike Bonikowsky lives and works in Dufferin County, Ontario. He is a direct support professional with the local Association for Community Living and spends the rest of his time raising two young children. He has been living and working with men and women with developmental disabilities since 2007. He is an editor for Ekstasis
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Mike Bonikowsky writes about the struggle to find peace during Advent when life feels far from calm. He explores the tension between outside expectations and internal reality. His words highlight the vulnerability many experience amid the holiday’s demands.
Photo by Amelie & Niklas Ohlrogge on Unsplash
This is the fourth in a series of poems about Christmas, this Christmas. Through the framing device of the five Advent candles that mark the progression of the season in various Christian traditions, they will attempt to speak the truth about Christmas in congregant care, both to and from those experiencing it.
IV. Peace. I am afraid this time of year. It is so dark, and then so bright So happy, then suddenly sad The music is always so loud And the lights are always changing. It gets inside my head and heart ‘Til they don’t know what’s happening Everyone tells me to be glad Everyone tells me I should sing, Says ‘Peace, peace,’ But there is no peace. I think I need to be alone I need to sit in a corner On the bare flat unmoving floor I need to stare at just one thing Not see, hear, think of any else. So I go into my corner, And I wait for the Lord to come: Small enough for me to carry Plain enough for me to look at Quiet enough for me to hear With the peace only he can give.
