Bruegel Christmas

See that woman in the middle?
The one alone
With the white hat and broom
Head down, sweeping
Or digging, maybe.
That has been me.
Focused on the depth of snow in front of me
And my need to dig out.

Oblivious
To the boisterous gathering over there
And to the snow-stuck wagon behind me,
Where my broom could be put to better use.
Unaware of the simple miracle
of a young woman on a horse,
almost hidden by winter clothing
and seeking a place,
The holy significance lost in favor of
Bristles and snow.

I'm putting down the broom

And looking up.

Join me?

____

The last final is handed in and the big paper was submitted this morning.  I feel so grateful for the lightened weight from my shoulders! I'm ready for a simple, enjoy-the-moments Christmas week with the family, aided by the coming snowstorm and cancelled events.

 ____

{Painting: Bruegel's The Census at Bethlehem.  Click here for last year's Rossetti Christmas.}

Comments

[martha corinna]

This was so perfectly put. I will join you.
I am glad to have found your blog.

[queenieweenie]

thank you for the wonderful sentiment this time of year. i needed it, as today i'm covered in piles of wrapping paper and ribbons trying to wrap "Santa" before the kids get home from school.

merry christmas!

[Michelle]

Oh my-- I love this. LOVE IT!

[calibosmom]

That is a beautiful picture and the words divine! I will gladly join you and look up as MORE snow begins to dump upon me. Merry Christmas...I really do love a white Christmas!

[Anonymous]

beautiful and just what I needed.
Jen

[cbentley]

Beautiful, Annie. Yes, we all look down too much. I think back and remember that so many of my conversations with my children and husband took place with me at the sink, looking down while peeling or washing. But today, I looked out the window of the computer room to see ten robins happily eating the berries off the tall junipers. It was just lovely. Lift up thine eyes!

[Christie]

I promise to look up on Saturday afternoon when all my baking is done, okay?

LOVE that painting.

[Emy5]

What a lovely poem and painting.+


It is good that you feel that your work burden has been lifted.

[Lindsay-ann]

Hi Annie
This is beautiful.
I was that woman last Christmas and half of this year.
I will join you with 'looking up'.
Are you ready for your Italian trip?
Merry Christmas
Lindsay

[gab]

I am going to go back and reread...so I can savor it slowly. Beautiful. Love Bruegel! Thank you.