Winter solstice is a day to look forward to, the ending of a school semester, the joy of decorating for Christmas, and our baby JuneBug’s birthday. And yet, almost as soon as I get home from school, the sky darkens and the world feels hushed and harsh and cold. Life is full of these bittersweet moments.
In 2013, I published a book with my poems and my father’s art, Illuminate. (Still available on Amazon.) I wrote poems for each of my father’s Christmas cards. He had done them for 10 years. It was also the year of his 80th birthday. On Novemeber 11th this year, he would have been 90. I miss him everyday. At this time of year, his presence is near as I thumb through his yearly cards and place one of his drawings on my wall. Art has become his legacy.
The Star Still Leads
The light shines in the darkness, and darkness did not overcome it.
Wise men traveled a great distance
with a will
strong enough to carry them
over hills and dunes,
through nights of wind,
storms, and cold.
All in search of a person.We travel a great distance
recorded in scrapbooks,
dated photographs,
no east, no south,
west, or north,
but names, people we love,
people who sustain us in hope.We are revealed to God,
Margaret Simon, Illuminate, 2013
our calloused hands
curled in prayer,
warmed by fervent asking
for relationship, for strength,
for understanding.
Asking for a star.
Reflections on the Teche 
“names, people we love” is the heart of this poem for me. Merry Christmas, friend.
Margaret, a beautiful pairing. “Warmed by fervent asking” is my favorite line here, and your father’s artwork is gorgeous. xo
Thank you, Margaret. I love “people who sustain us in hope”
I love your father’s artwork, and how wonderful that you created word art to accompany his work. It shows what a wonderful, creative bond you will always share.
Your father’s art and your words–that’s a wonderful legacy and memory.
It seems you share and shared a strong connecting and intuitive bond with your dad, an endearing bond. “Asking for a star,” such a beautiful closing, thanks for sharing his rich art and your emotive poem!
I still wonder at the wonder and hope in their journey, Margaret, & I have your wonderful book, will pull it out & re-visit. We never forget those dates so dear to us, do we? I love your story of your collaboration with your dad, and then, the connection with all the wonder in our world at this time. Merry Christmas wishes to you and your family.
Thank you for this beautiful artwork and poem, and for sharing this book with me. Your father’s rendition of the journey strikes me particularly at this moment. Following a heavenly light. Desert and camels. It’s so hard to imagine. I love the rhythms and dissonance of some of the carols depicting that journey. Would we step into the picture your father created? What mystery! Happy Christmas to you, Margaret. I’m glad you have this beautiful legacy.
Thank you for your kind comment. The journey can be long and hard and so full of love and joy. Best wishes for your holidays.
Lovely, Margaret. I just shared your book with some close friends who have gone through the loss of several elder relatives throughout this year. I think it is a book that offers warmth and hope.
Your poem is the perfect pairing with your father’s art. Both are so lovely. The last stanza of your poem is my favorite. Merry Christmas, Margaret.
Margaret, such a beautiful book and message. Your father’s artwork along with your poetry is a beautiful legacy for your family. May 2024 be surrounded with people who sustain you and give you hope. Peace to you.