Silent Night, Holy Night

Silent Night, Holy Night For many this is a time of festivity, of good tidings, gifts, food and family... While the words "happy and "merry" float in the air like shimmering snowflakes. And from inside churches- (snug and warm) comes singing; the familiar "Silent Night, Holy Night" and the comforting refrain: "Sleep in Heavenly Peace"... Yes, for the fortunate there is reason, for tis' the season... But for millions silence and peace come only through death- whether in war or from famine, and for these there shine no ornaments of silver and gold just shivers of sickness, hunger and cold... And even here, in this desert of scorching summers winter comes hard- without firewood or electricity some flee to the city to relatives and friends and wait until winter ends... Though not everyone can go away and for those that stay we make do- December is tough charity blankets don't do enough to keep out the cold. So the old, the frail may freeze like my father-in-law's neighbor did, last February... And news reports show what many well know, that suicides and depression are on the increase- still, midst coughing there's singing- "Sleep in Heavenly Peace."