In the Bleak Midwinter

In the Bleak Midwinter 

This is by Christina Georgiana Rossetti, published as the poem "A Christmas Carol" in Scribner’s Monthly in January 1872. – USMC Discipleship   

In 1906, the composer Gustav Holst composed a setting of Rossetti's words (titled "Cranham") in The English Hymnal which is sung throughout the world. –Wikipedia 

I am always happy when some of the original lyrics can remain part of the new versions. I also wanted to include at least a couple lines about enjoying the comforts of alone time in at least one song. Not everyone wants to spend tons of time with other people. There are also those who might like to have more social time, but don’t have loved ones around. I hope they may manage to find ways of having cozy time on their own, though. In a season where group activities are the assumed priority, those who are not involved can feel like they’re ‘doing it wrong’ when that isn’t the case. As I did the bulk of these rewrites in the fall of 2020, with a pandemic preventing people from gathering, I hope folks can find happiness in a bit of cloistered time, finding positivity in such settings. The second verse gives a nod to those thoughts. The rest of them are all activities that can be appreciated solitarily or with others (just use caution while sledding and/or hiking alone! Let someone know where you are!). 

In the Bleak Midwinter 

Frosty winds did moan; 

Earth stood hard as iron, 

Water like a stone; 

Snow had fallen, snow on snow, 

Snow on snow, 

In the bleak mid-winter 

Long ago. 

  

Sitting at a table, 

warm and full of glee. 

With chatter of our loved ones, 

Or alone and glad to be.   

If you need the comfort 

Of friends or solitude, 

I hope you find the solace 

Of whichever one you choose. 

  

Building up a snow-friend 

Or Angels on the ground 

Sledding quickly down hill 

With snowy dampened sound. 

Finding some adventures 

On frosted hiking trails  

Or walking 'round the block can 

Get fresh air in your sails. 

 

Freezing rain wrapping 

Around the dormant plants 

Short-lived glist’ning jewels 

Make sunlight skip and dance. 

Flower stalks give shelter 

To insects from the chill, 

Hibernating creatures 

In the fallen leaves so still. 

  

Fruits and seeds that linger 

From flowerhead and tree 

Feed the winter creatures 

Who quiet observers see. 

Tracking critters' footsteps 

Through freshly fallen snow 
Reminds us of the fruitful 

And thriving Earth we know. 

  

Fruits and seeds that linger 

From flowerhead and tree 

Feed the winter creatures 

Who quiet observers see. 

Tracking critters' footsteps 

Through freshly fallen snow 
Reminds us of the fruitful 

And thriving Earth we know.