Holiday Helper Contest: The Brightest Star

SUSANNA LEONARD HILL:10th Annual Holiday Contest Entry 

WRITE A CHILDREN’S HOLIDAY STORY IN 250 WORDS ABOUT A HOLIDAY HELPER. 

THE BRIGHTEST STAR

Long ago, way up in the sky. The stars were shining way up high.

One star shined especially bright, for it was filled with great delight.

For a new Babe was lying in the hay, and He would save the world someday!

Suddenly, an angel flew past, and he was flying very fast.

He said to the shepherds, “The Savior is born! He’s lying in a manger, cozy and warm.

Go and see Him and spread the great joy, about the birth of this baby Boy!”

“How do we find this heavenly Babe,” the shepherds asked, “who’s asleep in the hay?”

The angel replied, “Do not delay, the brightest star will guide your way.”

The star was so happy, and knew it would show, and lit up the sky with an angelic glow.

From up in the sky, way down to the ground, it shined the way for the Babe to be found,

Creating a glow on the Savior’s face, and the glorious event that had just taken place.

The shepherds followed the light of the star, to worship the Babe in a land so far.

As time went by, others wanted to know why the star had such a Heavenly glow.

The news of the birth spread wide and far, soon others began to follow the star.

Then, one day its job was done. The world now knew of the Heavenly Son.

Jesus had come to be their light. So, it went back to shining only at night.

By Shirley Topeka

Word Count 249

Letter to the Past

My dear scared child, do not fear

Your future’s not what you perceive

The pain you feel won’t be your norm

Have faith in yourself and believe

Having a loving, caring heart 

May imply to some you’re weak

But one thing you must remember

To other’s it makes you unique

Be brave my frightened younger self

But never let down your guard

Circumstances don’t define you 

Your life won’t always be so hard

Confront those who create your fear 

Don’t let them define your worth

Let karma rectify the wrong

In forgiveness you’ll find rebirth. 

The life you dream, is waiting for you

Hold your head high; you’ve nothing to shame

Go confidently to your future

For it’s yours to boldly reclaim 

(C) Shirley Keefer Topeka 2015

Flurries

Falling to the ground

Shiny diamonds in the night

Flurries swiftly fall

Passing

The day passes by

As silently as the clouds

Float across the sky

New Year

Another new year,

Time has come and time has gone,

Time continues on.

Christmas Gift

     Dawn has broken and soon we’ll all be, opening presents around the tree.
     Papers and packages will clutter the floor, but please remember what this day is for.
     During this glorious season of love, remember the One who came from above.
     He gave us a love that never ends, and today we will share it with family and friends. 
     So while you're gathered in one happy place, make sure they all know about His saving grace. 
     Then take a moment and look up and say, "thank you, Lord", for that Babe in the hay.

~Shirley Keefer Topeka 2011

Tormented Soul

Tormented soul. Tormented soul. There is so much you long to know. What road to take? What path to chose? If you chose wrong, what will you lose? What prevents you from letting go? Tormented soul. Tormented soul. Fear of living? Or fear of not? Fear of falling; not being caught? Take those leaps and face your fears. Look back and smile in future years. Tormented soul, tormented soul. Don’t take the path that others go. Attempt and fail. There is no shame. Evading them, then you’re to blame. Never forget, you’re in control. Tormented soul. Tormented soul. ~Shirley Keefer Topeka My First Attempt at Quatern A Quatern is a sixteen line French form composed of four quatrains. It is similar to the Kyrielle and the Retourne. It has a refrain that is in a different place in each quatrain. The first line of stanza one is the second line of stanza two, third line of stanza three, and fourth line of stanza four. A quatern has eight syllables per line. It does not have to be iambic or follow a set rhyme scheme.