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Poetry For Christmas & Other Beginnings: Twelve Inspirational Poems for Deep Mid-Winter
Poetry for Mid-Winter
Whether you’re marking the Christian Christmas, the Chinese Dongzhi, the Jewish Hannukah, the Hindi Makaraa Sankrānti, the Irish Meán Geimhridh, or any other mid-winter festival, the hibernal solstice is a celebration of rebirth and renewal.
The ever-present potential for beginning anew, as signified by the return of light, is the theme of this chapbook. In it, you'll find a poem for each of the twelve days of this season when the days start to get longer again, that will encourage you to rejoice, reflect and recharge.
Dark nights, lamp or candlelight, and fireside flames in a quiet room provide the perfect conditions for deep and transformative reading.
Reconnect with the wonder of the world-- and of those with whom you share it—through the powerful pleasure of inspirational poetry.
Whether you’re marking the Christian Christmas, the Chinese Dongzhi, the Jewish Hannukah, the Hindi Makaraa Sankrānti, the Irish Meán Geimhridh, or any other mid-winter festival, the hibernal solstice is a celebration of rebirth and renewal.
The ever-present potential for beginning anew, as signified by the return of light, is the theme of this chapbook. In it, you'll find a poem for each of the twelve days of this season when the days start to get longer again, that will encourage you to rejoice, reflect and recharge.
Dark nights, lamp or candlelight, and fireside flames in a quiet room provide the perfect conditions for deep and transformative reading.
Reconnect with the wonder of the world-- and of those with whom you share it—through the powerful pleasure of inspirational poetry.
100 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 22, 2012
2 people want to read
About the author
Orna Ross
57 books244 followersOrna Ross is an award-winning historical novelist, poet, and founder-director of the global non-profit for self-publishing writers, the Alliance of Independent Authors (ALLi).
An international bestseller, she enjoys book sales in 120+ countries worldwide and her awards include the Goethe Historical Fiction Grand Prize Award for fiction, Gold Literary Titan award for poetry, the Romantic Novelists Association's Indie Champion Award, The Writers' Digest's Top Websites for Writers, and The Bookseller's Top 100 people in publishing.
In what she describes as “the best move of my writing life”, Orna took her book rights back from her publishers in 2011. The experience has made her a passionate advocate for the commercial and creative empowerment of authors through self-publishing and selective rights licensing.
An international bestseller, she enjoys book sales in 120+ countries worldwide and her awards include the Goethe Historical Fiction Grand Prize Award for fiction, Gold Literary Titan award for poetry, the Romantic Novelists Association's Indie Champion Award, The Writers' Digest's Top Websites for Writers, and The Bookseller's Top 100 people in publishing.
In what she describes as “the best move of my writing life”, Orna took her book rights back from her publishers in 2011. The experience has made her a passionate advocate for the commercial and creative empowerment of authors through self-publishing and selective rights licensing.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
December 5, 2023
We have 12 beautiful poems about Births and Beginnings. A poem for the 12 days of Christmas. The book is set out in four sections- Rebirth, Reconnect, Renew and Rejoice. Each poem has an illustrations and a blank page, (which I found myself writing how the poem made me feel). I read these poems in one sitting, but Soaring was one of the poems I've went back to a few more times. This would make a lovely gift, especially those that love poetry.
December 11, 2023
I was so pleased to be offered the chance to review this beautiful collection of 12 poems by Orna Rossas I found another of her books, Circle of Life, so uplifting. I wasn't disappointed, Bright Star is another set of poems designed to get you thinking about new beginnings, Christmas nad births. I love the way that Orna divides her book into four sections, rebirth, reconnect, renew and rejoice with three beautiful and thought provoking poems in each section.
The AI "Dream" illustrations add depth to the poems and are intriguing in the fact that AI has created the illustrations from the lines of the poems. I especially like the illustration for soaring and they really do support the poem and enable your imagination to create a picture of what you are reading.
As a musician I found myself creating melodies to some of the poems which I found enlightening and fun, especially Mid-Winter Benediction.
Orna has yet again given me hours of pleasure with her poetry and the books make lovely gifts for poetry lovers.
The AI "Dream" illustrations add depth to the poems and are intriguing in the fact that AI has created the illustrations from the lines of the poems. I especially like the illustration for soaring and they really do support the poem and enable your imagination to create a picture of what you are reading.
As a musician I found myself creating melodies to some of the poems which I found enlightening and fun, especially Mid-Winter Benediction.
Orna has yet again given me hours of pleasure with her poetry and the books make lovely gifts for poetry lovers.
December 28, 2019
Poetry for Christmas is a wonderful collection of poems that is perfect for reading in winter. It celebrates the joys and reflects on the darker days in this season; it’s a lovely reminder that spring and renewal is just around the corner. It’s a book that gives you time to pause and relax in the busyness of the season.
Poetry for Christmas is set out in four sections: Rebirth, Renew, Reconnect, and Rejoice. I read through this collection all in one go as I like to get a sense of a poetry collection as a whole but then I went back and read each section in turn at different times to give myself a chance to really appreciate them and I’m so glad I did this.
I loved the opening poem Soaring as it perfectly encapsulates how the run-up to Christmas makes us all feel – the rushing around trying to get things done in the damp, dark days but it’s the reminder that the light will come again. There is a joy in seeing the Christmas lights and taking a moment to appreciate them but it’s also about the fact that the light of spring is just around the corner.
The poem that most affected me was Raindrop Spray. It’s about seeing things through the viewpoint of a loved one who is no longer here. I know that since my mum died that I make sure to take time for honouring her at this time of year because she loved Christmas and it’s not the same without her. Raindrop Spray spoke to that feeling for me, the way we can still see things as they saw them and in those moments it’s like they’re still here.
I also loved Christmas Rain and the way it shows how it helps to see things in a different light if you can. The seemingly never-ending grey rain, the endless consumerism of Christmas… but then the joy of the smell of the Christmas tree, and the rain that perhaps holds the promise of snow. This poem captures a lot of how we feel at this time of year and it leaves you with hope. A wonderful way to end a gorgeous collection of poetry.
I very much enjoyed Poetry for Christmas, and I think it is a book I will revisit. It’s a wonderful collection for everyone, it speaks to what this season is like and when I turned the final page I felt solace and calm and hopeful. This book would make a wonderful Christmas gift for a loved one, or a lovely treat for yourself. I highly recommend this one!
This review was originally posted on my blog https://rathertoofondofbooks.com
Poetry for Christmas is set out in four sections: Rebirth, Renew, Reconnect, and Rejoice. I read through this collection all in one go as I like to get a sense of a poetry collection as a whole but then I went back and read each section in turn at different times to give myself a chance to really appreciate them and I’m so glad I did this.
I loved the opening poem Soaring as it perfectly encapsulates how the run-up to Christmas makes us all feel – the rushing around trying to get things done in the damp, dark days but it’s the reminder that the light will come again. There is a joy in seeing the Christmas lights and taking a moment to appreciate them but it’s also about the fact that the light of spring is just around the corner.
The poem that most affected me was Raindrop Spray. It’s about seeing things through the viewpoint of a loved one who is no longer here. I know that since my mum died that I make sure to take time for honouring her at this time of year because she loved Christmas and it’s not the same without her. Raindrop Spray spoke to that feeling for me, the way we can still see things as they saw them and in those moments it’s like they’re still here.
I also loved Christmas Rain and the way it shows how it helps to see things in a different light if you can. The seemingly never-ending grey rain, the endless consumerism of Christmas… but then the joy of the smell of the Christmas tree, and the rain that perhaps holds the promise of snow. This poem captures a lot of how we feel at this time of year and it leaves you with hope. A wonderful way to end a gorgeous collection of poetry.
I very much enjoyed Poetry for Christmas, and I think it is a book I will revisit. It’s a wonderful collection for everyone, it speaks to what this season is like and when I turned the final page I felt solace and calm and hopeful. This book would make a wonderful Christmas gift for a loved one, or a lovely treat for yourself. I highly recommend this one!
This review was originally posted on my blog https://rathertoofondofbooks.com
November 28, 2023
Another beautifully written book by Orna! I love her poems! They are heartfelt, meaningful and written with love! Christmas is always a colourful time, whether it's because of family or the surrounding lights/candles etc. These poems make you think of Christmas as a coming together. A united front, a way to express your feelings. I like the different chapter headings and how each poem flows into the next. This is book 1 and I'm excited for the rest in the series!
The poems are definitely inspirational and they give you a warm feeling reading them.
I cannot say I have a favourite as they all have meaning. If I did have to choose a favourite from this book, it would probably be "Soaring" as it's about christmas and the lights and preparing for the upcoming events. I look forward to more from Orna, I have read Circle of Life and that was another good read. I also loved the pictures in this book, would love to see them in colour!
The poems are definitely inspirational and they give you a warm feeling reading them.
I cannot say I have a favourite as they all have meaning. If I did have to choose a favourite from this book, it would probably be "Soaring" as it's about christmas and the lights and preparing for the upcoming events. I look forward to more from Orna, I have read Circle of Life and that was another good read. I also loved the pictures in this book, would love to see them in colour!
December 12, 2023
This is such a stunning book. It welcomes you in with its thoughtful cover and then you are carried through the pensive pieces with the lovely artwork that joins the pieces. With each, the art creates a very thoughtful journey, working on mindfulness and the expansion into a fresh start.
Whether you are starting anew with a completely new journey in life, you are moving on to a new stage in life or you are just waking with a new and refreshed journey each starting day, this book provides a thoughtful and inspiring way to travel that journey. It can easily be enjoyed many times, allowing you to stop and take stock of life and what it means in that moment.
I thoroughly enjoyed this complication and the beauty it provided, in many ways. It is a great gift to someone or to yourself.
Whether you are starting anew with a completely new journey in life, you are moving on to a new stage in life or you are just waking with a new and refreshed journey each starting day, this book provides a thoughtful and inspiring way to travel that journey. It can easily be enjoyed many times, allowing you to stop and take stock of life and what it means in that moment.
I thoroughly enjoyed this complication and the beauty it provided, in many ways. It is a great gift to someone or to yourself.
December 13, 2019
This is a collection of just 12 poems, so it’s short but inspiring.
There are poems about Birth, blessings, Faith, Christmas and hope.
From a personal point of view I found the poem First Flush very moving. My daughter, born 30 years ago has just given birth to her own daughter and so it felt it was meant for me.
A lovely, emotional collection, something to treasure.
Thank you to Anne Cater and Random Things Tours for the opportunity to participate in this blog tour, for the promotional materials and a free ecopy of the book. This is my honest, unbiased review.
There are poems about Birth, blessings, Faith, Christmas and hope.
From a personal point of view I found the poem First Flush very moving. My daughter, born 30 years ago has just given birth to her own daughter and so it felt it was meant for me.
A lovely, emotional collection, something to treasure.
Thank you to Anne Cater and Random Things Tours for the opportunity to participate in this blog tour, for the promotional materials and a free ecopy of the book. This is my honest, unbiased review.
December 4, 2023
Modern day poetry is one of things that I find really helps with my anxiety. I find it soothing and calming. The poems contained within the pages of Bright Star are perfect for this time of year and encapsulated the festive period perfectly.
Some were short, others were longer, but they all had meaning or sentiment behind them. The first poem in the book is called Soaring and is the one that resonated with me the most, it captures the run up to Christmas and the stresses that go with it (for us women).
My only disappointment was that there were so many empty pages that could have been filled with more of Ross's poems.
I really enjoyed the poems and have since gone back and read the book again in times of my festive fraught.
Some were short, others were longer, but they all had meaning or sentiment behind them. The first poem in the book is called Soaring and is the one that resonated with me the most, it captures the run up to Christmas and the stresses that go with it (for us women).
My only disappointment was that there were so many empty pages that could have been filled with more of Ross's poems.
I really enjoyed the poems and have since gone back and read the book again in times of my festive fraught.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews