I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day

by Amelia

I heard the bells on Christmas day
Their old familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet the words repeat,
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

The bell broke the silence of the night. Fire had erupted in the saloon the result of a simple fight that turned into a drunken, angry brawl. Seven men on different sides, battled on. Some fought the fight for life, some fought the fiery burn. Three inside alone they fought, to save the lives of those were trapped. Four outside fought beside the town to save the structure, realizing suddenly their eyes did not see the three they sought.

I thought how, as the day had come,
The belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along th? unbroken song,
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

The three inside the hungry monster's glow, picked up or broke apart those in sight, pushing them out the back into the soothing night. Making their way to the front entryway, they found two drunks still embraced within their blows. Two drawls of different southern states declared, "Get out of here you fools." Each grabbed one by shirt and shorts, then with a toss throwing them through the open flaming doors.

Knowing in that moment four shared the same knowledge of thought. Their friends, their brothers still were on the other side of the yellow-red, climbing wall. As one the four ran into the bright heated blaze with two old drunks passing them in their wake.

And in despair I bowed my head
"There is no peace on earth," I said,
"For hate is strong and mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good will to men."

Several stopped and stood in shock as those they respected disappeared into the terror. They had watched as the four without thought or doubt, had gone to save or die with their family's heart. From sight they left, taking the breath's air as well, just when again pealed the ring of the bell, its chime sounding mournful with the collapse of the beam as a floor crashes down. All time froze, eyes wide with shock and sorrow filling the town.

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
"God is not dead, nor doth he sleep;
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail
With peace on earth, good will to men."

With a gasp of disbelief, then a hooray of praise, like the Phoenix from the ashes, a true miracle came. In the predawn that had started to climb, through the heavy thick smoke of the blazing time. Seven shadows first were seen, turning into a gift heaven sent and not a wishful dream. Together they stumble holding tight to the other, the four bringing their three youngest brothers out further. Individuals for sure they are to care, yet one soul and heart beat they do share. Faces dark and smudged, deep barking coughs sounded. But the eyes still held life the smiles showing together still bounded.

Till ringing, singing on its way
The world revolved from night to day,
A voice, a chime, a chant sublime
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

And in full morning light there wasn't despair for the damage of a burnt out building, nothing time couldn't repair. Rejoiceful sounds did everywhere sing, for all was alive like a voice the bell did ring.....

Feedback