Yearning
written by: Bev Muendel-Atherstone
Freiburg, like many European cities,
Reduced by war to rubble, was, rebuilt.
From those darkest days, few alive remain,
But the buildings tell the stories still.
Essential as a guidepost for WWII allied bombers,
A two-steepled Gothic cathedral survives;
Nestled beneath this Freiburg Münster,
An ancient Christmas market thrives.
There, chestnuts do roast on open fires,
Where above the coals our shivering hands we heat.
Silhouetted by these Black Forest spires,
Our watering mouths await each soft nut meat.
A children’s choir cloaked in red wool tunics,
Sings and signs familiar carol lyrics,
While two tykes with floppy-antlered ear muffs,
Cool hot chocolate by blowing into mugs.
Despite felt-lined boots my feet are ice;
A fine excuse to drink the hot-mulled wine,
Which courses from my lips down to my toes,
Causing me to stumble on cobblestones.
Filigreed-glass candle drip-protectors,
Hang patiently in glistening groups of three,
Above beeswax and long white tapers,
Ready for each candelabra and Christmas tree.
Hand-crafted painted wooden toys and trains,
Lure children seeking their secret dreams;
While parents distract them with gingersnaps,
With winks and nods to vendors, “we’ll be back.”
As memories with sweet aromas mingle,
With favourite tunes and friendships dear,
In Canada my yearning taste buds tingle,
For the German Christmas market time of year.
- Yearning - December 23, 2024
- Creeping Bellflower Scourge - October 13, 2024
- Banksters - July 3, 2024
