Mixed Media by S. Auberle

NO MAN’S LAND

December 24, 1914 – the last known Christmas Truce 

Somewhere in Belgium

a German soldier, his face

not so different from yours,

lays down his gun   

steps out of the trenches

and begins singing…

            Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht,

            Alles in schlaft, einsam wacht

The man is very cold

and very, very brave.

In the stink of blood and mud

he knows what love is.

He listens for the hiss of bullets,

the rattle of artillery fire,

then realizes the night has grown silent.

            ‘round yon Virgin, Mother and child

            Holy Infant so tender and mild

Other soldiers join him

in that No Man’s Land between,

their raw voices cracking in the cold.

Soon British soldiers begin

laying down their weapons,

joining in the hymn.    They bring gifts

of cigarettes and drinks to share.

Perhaps the men touch,

reach out shaking hands

that no longer hold death,

instead, pour tin cups of whiskey,

send smoke up to the stars

like prayers to a god, in whom,

forever after, if  they survive,

they want to still believe. 

            Sleep in heavenly peace…

~  Sharon Auberle