The Christians and the Pagans (Dar Williams) Amber called her uncle, said, "We're up here for the holidays. Jane and I are having solstice and we need a place to stay." And her Christ-loving uncle watched his wife hang Mary from a tree. He watched his son hang candy canes all made with red dye number three. He told his niece, "It's Christmas Eve, I know our life is not your style." She said, "Christmas is like Solstice and we miss you, and it's been a while." And the Christians and the pagans sat together at the table, Finding faith and common ground the best that they were able. And before the meal was served, hands were held and prayers were said, Sending hope for peace on earth to all their gods and goddesses. The food was great, the tree was hung, the meal went off without a hitch, Until Timmy turned to Amber and said, is it true that you're a witch? His mom jumped up and said, "The pies are burning," as she hit the kitchen And it was Jane who spoke. She said, "It's true. Your cousin's not a Christia But we love trees, we love the snow, the friends we have, the world we share, And you find magic from your god, and we find magic everywhere. And the Christians and the pagans sat together at the table, Finding faith and common ground the best that they were able. Where does magic come from? I think magic's in the learning. 'Cause now when Christians sit with pagans, only pumpkin pies are burning. When Amber went to do the dishes, her aunt said, "Really, no, don't bother." Amber's uncle saw how Amber looked like Tim and like her father. He thought about his brother, how they hadn't spoken in a year. He thought he'd call him up and say, it's Christmas and your daughter's here. He thought of fathers, sons, and brothers, felt his own son tug his sleeve, Saying, "Can I be a pagan?" Dad said, "We'll discuss it when they leave." And the Christians and the pagans sat together at the table, Finding faith and common ground the best that they were able. Lighting trees with candles, learning new ways from the old, Making sense of history, and drawing warmth out of the cold. JD July01
Thanks to Mudcat for the Digital Tradition!