Look behind the festive scene

Both to factory and land;

Contemplate the labour force

Using both the mind and hand.

Yet their products all depend

On the cosmic energies

Moving in evolving ways,

Shaping season’s symphonies.

God whose energy sustains

All things, both the near and far,

Power that makes the atoms move,

Power that reaches every star.

Every life-form shows your art,

Wonders that both grow and spread,

Creatures that sustain us all

In the form of daily bread.

But beyond those harvest myths

Showing people sharing meals

Lie the hungry dispossessed

As a sore that never heals.

May we each be moved to share

Grace which comes as wine and bread

That through acts of caring love

Hungry people may be fed.

Celebrate autumnal truth,

Beauty found in letting go.

Crumpled leaves and colored bliss

Form a dance that swirls like snow.

May we learn from Nature’s ways

How to live before we die,

Filling life with thankfulness,

Waving selfishness goodbye.

Click here to see the score:  Wallace.Look behind the festive scene

Click here to hear the music:  

Text © William Livingstone Wallace.