Download the article: A Poem for the Advent Garden
Acorn Hill Children's Center
For many years I have told a story in the Advent Garden about Mary's journey seeking threads to weave a robe for the Child soon to be born. I am very fond of the story and the images it brings, and a number of parents have been quite moved by it. This story was published in the Kindergarten Newsletter, and more recently in An Overview of the Waldorf Kindergarten published by the Waldorf Kindergarten Association. For the last few years, however, the need to penetrate to the very essence of our festivals, thus arriving at the universal aspect which can speak to the hearts of all human beings, has become ever more clear and more urgent. One spring morning I woke up knowing I could no longer tell the old story and this poem arose. It is as yet untested in practice, but I offer it on the chance that it may speak to a need perceived by others.
Deep Mid-Winter drawing near,
Darkness in our Garden here --
One small flame yet bravely burns
To show a path which ever turns.
Earth, please bear us as we go,
Seeking Light to send a-glow:
Branches green and moss and fern,
Mark our path to trace each turn.
Brother animals, teach us too
To serve with patience as you do.
We walk with candle toward the Light
While Earth awaits with hope so bright:
In the Light which finds new birth
Love may spread o'er all the Earth.
Deep Mid-Winter drawing near --
May Light arise in our Garden here.