In lieu of trying to belong to any number of societies: Chesterton, Sherlock Holmes, the Inklings, and so on: I propose and establish one of my own. Don your intelligence cap at the door; dust off your logic and imagination; did you bring your inspiration and encouragement? We are shapers, my friends; lit lamps; light-bringers. Bring quotes; poetry should be uplifting and thoughtful, or witty and clever, (or both). Humor is encouraged; laughter is invited back. Pull up a chair. Anyone for tea?

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On the 3rd day of Christmas

Days in shadow, days of night
Unrevealed was present Light
Those who pondered what was told
Waited long to be consoled
For consolation long foretold

One had waited long and well
Righteous, filled with hope they tell
He was old but could not die
Said the One who cannot lie
Until he saw the Savior nigh

Years he waited, years he prayed
Yearned to see what plans were laid
Simeon, they called his name
Often to the temple came
But one day it was not the same

Called the Spirit, 'follow me'
Calling irresistibly
To the temple's level ground
Listening for any sound
Of Him to whom his life was bound

Then he saw a man and wife
Bearers of eternal life
Recognized the babe she wore
Root of Jesse evermore
But they knew not whose Son they bore

He approached them with great joy
Reached his arms to hold the boy
"Your Salvation now I see,
In your grace, you answered me
--I'm ready for eternity.

"Peace to my heart, light to all
Revelation and a call
Blessed be your parents here
Marveling at what they hear
And may they see You reappear.

"Many at his word will fall
Many more rise at his call
Some shall come against his hand
Leading the opposing band
A Man of Sorrows in His land.

"This is triumph that you feel
They can only touch his heel
Ages ached to be redeemed
Long to come, it often seemed
Until upon them, Jesus beamed."

. . . There were also others there
One with hope and long white hair
She would worship, pray and fast
Waiting till Messiah passed
And all her heart was filled at last

She had often spoken out
Years in temple-work devout
She was simply known as Anna
Now all through her heart there ran a
Joy, with which she cried, "Hosanna"

. . . Days of shadow, turned to light
Now revealed unto our sight
His Salvation, high and free
Fills with joy and comforts me
And will for all eternity