Silent Night, Holy Night

For many this is a time of festivity, of good tidings gifts food and family... While the words, "Merry" and "Happy" 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 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 till winter ends... Though not all can go away so for those who 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".