Beyond a Snowy Path - A Christmas Tale

NEW YEAR - 2011

2011-01-09T17:15:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone,

I have now taken down The Lilith Charm from its blog home. After 800 visitors I have decided to begin submitting to agents and publishing houses etc, seems like there is an audience out there for it!

Writing an article at the moment for Focus about Progressive Christianity in Brisbane. Should be in February issue.

The Christmas break was great in that, having a little break from Uni, I was able to sit down and see where I am 'at' with my other projects. The YA novel, Ferry Folk, will hopefully be written by the end of the year and the location for the story is probably going to change. The historical novel has taken a major shift in a new direction but one which will relate far more to the PhD so that should work out well.

My PhD continues to gather momentum, with my confirmation seminar in March. Very scary but will be glad when this first milestone is reached and I can just concentrate then on writing the thesis proper and not worrying about proposals etc.

So there you are, busy but all good!

Adi

SEPTEMBER UPDATE

2010-09-12T04:34:00.000-07:00

Hi again everyone,

Firstly I should update you on how 'The Lilith Charm' is going. So far over 700 visitors have stopped by to check it out, which is great. Also really grateful to noveltheology.com in the US who have listed 'The Lilith Charm' on their site as a novel to read: http://www.noveltheology.com/blogs.html

I am extremely pleased to announce that for the fourth year in a row a poem of mine, called "I'm Going to Christmas", is going to be featured in the online advent calendar published by Christmas Magazine: http://www.christmasmagazine.com/ This is a wonderful website, please visit!

My latest article for Focus was on Taize worship services. Very interesting! I am not writing as frequently for them any more due to my studies, but keeping my hand in!

Studies going well. I have what is called a 'confirmation seminar' in March of next year, which is a presentation which, if all goes well, confirms my status as candidate and moves me onto the next level so to speak. Working on the proposal that goes with this seminar, so far so good.

I have as yet not been able to get back to writing my fiction. Missing writing, a lot, and have dabbled in a Doctor Who script just for fun, but still hoping to get back to the novel about Lionel Johnson before the year is out. This has also been complicated by the fact that I have had another novel idea pop into my mind, this one far more relevant to the PhD. Like Fidelis, my first novel, this would be a mystery centred on the figure of Pontius Pilate, but this would be a murder/mystery set in Pilate's time, at Caesarea Maritima, the administrative centre of Judea. Still working on an outline for this latest one, but very excited about it.

Otherwise, all going well and looking forward to the Christmas season. Hopefully I will be hopping on here before then!

Cheers,

Adi

APRIL UPDATE

2010-04-10T03:41:00.000-07:00

Hi again everyone,

Well a lot has happened since I last posted last year. The primary thing I guess is that I am now a PhD candidate at the University of Queensland! I was tossing up whether to go back to the school of History, Philosophy, Religion and Classics or perhaps do a PhD in creative writing. In the end all the signs were pointing towards doing the former and it gives me the possibility of enhancing my credentials to write historical novels anyway, as well as possibly achieving an academic career in this field, both options literally dreams of mine!

The short story Quarter to Oblivion was very well received on Antipodean SF. At the beginning of this year I had started writing two major projects, a historical novel set in the 1890's in Victorian London and Munich, based around the poet Lionel Johnson, and a young adult novel set in the early 1960's in Belfast. Both have been put on hold for now while I am concentrating on my thesis, but I hope to get to a place this year where I can devote some more time to them. The one set in the 1890's is a particular labour of love for me and I would love to complete it before too long.

The Lilith Charm has gone great guns, much better than I expected, with 500 readers already accessing it online. A fantastic progressive christian company which promotes progressive fiction is interested in letting people know more about it, and have suggested I look into perhaps placing it on Amazon Kindle for sale, which I am looking into.

Otherwise still writing for Focus and enjoying my new studies!

Adi

Update

2009-12-04T02:57:00.001-08:00

Hi everyone,

A poem of mine has been included in an online advent calendar and can be found here: http://www.christmasmagazine.com/en/mc/calendar.asp?d=4 ie, December 4th!

In the next couple of weeks my short story A Quarter to Oblivion will be published at AntipodeanSF, found at: http://www.antisf.com.au/

Other than that my novel can be still be found at: http://thelilithcharm.blogspot.com/

Will update again soon.

Adrian

The Lilith Charm

2009-11-03T21:11:00.000-08:00

Lilith, the first wife of Adam, is a figure Reverend Penny Green had never heard of. But when her grandfather is accused of murdering a sixteen-year-old girl in a botched exorcism, Penny learns about this she-demon; and her legend.Penny, an Anglican Minister struggling in a conservative and somewhat misogynistic parish, is assisted by progressive Rabbi Simon Cohen in uncovering what really happened to the murdered girl. In return, she helps the Rabbi look into an apparent suicide by a member of the Rabbi’s synagogue.Simon and Penny have come together after eight years of mutual silence. The last time they communicated, Simon professed his love and Penny had gently, but effectively, rejected him. The Lilith Charm focuses on the rekindling of their friendship and the feelings that Simon still has for Penny.The only clue these devoted servants of their respective faiths have to try and solve the deaths is a tattoo and a symbol, known as the Lilith Charm, found on the deceased. The symbol leads them into a complex maze of Jewish and Christian symbolism and mythology that links the two murders.

The Lilith Charm can be found at: http://thelilithcharm.blogspot.com/

Adi

NOVEL - THE LILITH CHARM

2009-08-15T03:08:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,

This is just to let you officially know that on October 14th I will be launching The Lilith Charm in the format of a blog, for you all to read at your leisure.

This has been a big decision as after Fidelis I had thought I wasn't going to publish another novel online. However, after a lengthy submission process, I have determined that this book is kind of between the lines for the publishing houses, who are either secular and find it too spiritual, or are religious houses and find it too secular! Either way I am finding it hard to find a home for it. I should say, though, that I have received some fantastic feeback along the way from seasoned professionals, so that has been great.

I will have the details of the address for the blog etc soon, will be linked to this one though.

Hope you enjoy it once it is there!

Cheers,

Adi

Update

2009-07-28T04:42:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,

A short story of mine called A Quarter to Oblivion, will be published on AntipodeanSF in their December issue. I have had a few of my short stories published there and it is great exposure.

Still going through the process of submission with The Lilith Charm. It seems for secular houses it is a tad too religious and for religious houses it is a tad too secular! Have a few more ports of call and, overall, have got some brilliant feedback about the submission, so I must be doing something right! Will give it a try with a few more houses and then assess my options.

My writing with Focus is going well, in fact I am attending an Australasian Religious Press Association event this Saturday. I am also covering a huge multi-faith service to commemorate the Q150 celebrations later on this month, which sounds really interesting.

Otherwise just scribbling away, though my Mum's illness has meant I have not really done much writing for a while, but will get back to it soon. Also trying to organise my studies for next year when the wee one goes to Prep. Will definitely be within a creative writing context though, and not studies in religion as I have previously done, and loved.

That's me up to date!

Latest

2009-04-24T21:38:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,

I have been very busy lately doing research for the next book. Some late nights but I am getting there. As this book wont need as much research as The Lilith Charm, I am trying to get it done quickly in one hit. Then I can concentrate on writing!

A short story of mine called Facebook Wilde has been published by Retort Magazine: http://retort.brentley.com/retortmagazine/category/literature/
There have been some issues opening it, which I have informed the editor of, so hope you can open it.

Another short story of mine is being considered by AntiSF spec fic magazine. They have used a few of my stories in tha past so hoping for a good result.

A poem of mine called The Light of the World and my manuscript of The Lilith Charm are being considered at the moment by Wombat Books, which, due to the religious overtones of TLC, is a faith publisher. First time I have submitted to a specialised publishing house so we will see how we go.

Working on two articles at the moment so pretty busy with that and everything else, which is exactly how I like it!

Adi

Two short stories and a novel!

2009-03-29T02:51:00.000-07:00

Hello again everyone,

Two short stories, the first titled 'A Quarter to Oblivion', the second 'Facebook Wilde', are in the submission stage. I have high hopes for them, particularly the second one, which I think has a very interesting premise. Anyway, fingers crossed.

The big news is that I have finally settled on what I am going to do for my third novel. As I mentioned in a previous post, I have decided to combine three separate plot ideas I have had mulling about for a while. The most important breakthrough, however, came when I decided to bite the bullet and do something I have dreamed of doing for years, begin a series of historical fiction, like Susanna Gregory and her Matthew Bartholomew series, or Michael Jecks, or Ellis Peters. This decision brought all the threads together. I don't want to say too much, as I am still polishing the ideas, but I have a central character, a basic plot and, importantly, the location and year in which it will be set. As usual, I have high hopes! I really didn't want to start this journey until I felt ready, as this is incredibly important to me, and I want to get this published by a respected house, hopefully Headline! After two novels and countless short stories etc, I feel ready. So wish me luck, a lot of hard work ahead!

Better dash, hope all are well.

Adi

Quick update

2009-03-26T19:09:00.000-07:00

The article about Brisbane artist Ivan Isbister has been published by the online Art Magazine Artsrush.

You can find it here: http://artsrush.com.au/

Adi

Long time no post!

2009-03-13T04:48:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,

Been a while, sorry about that!

The latest developments! The Lilith Charm is now absolutely finished and there has been some interest! Through an inside track a literary agent has now got the manuscript and she seems interested, at least to look into it some more. Fingers crossed!

Notching up more articles with Focus and I may be in a position to do some more work for them if an idea I have pitched to them is taken on board. The editor certainly seems to think it is a good idea but she is going to get back to me!

Got some great feedback over Christmas regarding my 'Beyond a Snowy Path' poems in that Christmas website. The original poem may actually be making a reappearance in a different guise, but that is in early stages yet.

Otherwise still scribbling away. I have three quite different ideas for my next novel and I am not sure which one to pursue, maybe even combining them is an option, we'll see.

Well, better dash.

Adi

Update

2008-11-16T03:47:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone,

It's been a while since I have posted so have a bit of news.

A short story of mine called 'Burn Me' can be found in the current issue of AntipodeanSF, a speculative fiction online mag. Here is the link: http://www.antisf.com/stories/story09.htm
If you like it you can even vote for it as the best of the issue! It's a wee bit dark but hopefully enjoyable!

The website- Christmas Magazine, have asked to include two of my Christmas poems, Beyond a Snowy Path - Christmas in July and Beyond a Snowy Path - Dasher's Dash, in their online Advent Calendar, which goes live in the first week of December. They already have the original Beyond a Snowy Path as a permanent fixture on the site. Here is the link: http://www.christmasmagazine.com/en/spirit/

I recently had a meeting with the editor of Focus and it looks like they wish me to not only keep writing for them but maybe even do more little jobs for them for specialised issues. They don't have a January issue so I have a bit of a break but have story assignments lined up now till about June of next year. As the stories become longer and more involved they have offered to pay more per issue which is great.

The Lilith Charm didn't get a place in the Hachette Livre Development Programme which was a shame. The manuscript has been read by two people now and once I make some changes according to their suggestions I am going to start the submission process proper next year. Then will move on to the third novel which I have an idea for and the details are slowly coming together.

The only other thing to report is an article I have written on an artist called Ivan Isbister which I am very happy with but which was rejected by its intended magazine! So if anyone knows of any art mags that are looking for stories or profiles of individual artists, could you let me know!

That's about it for now! If I don't post before I would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and hope you enjoy the next month and a half, the best time of the year!

Adi

Latest news

2008-09-09T03:47:00.000-07:00

The next article for Focus on a programme called Cafe Church will be published in the October issue.

Am about to start work on an article for submission to an art focussed magazine called Artlink, about a sculptor called Ivan Isbister, who I, fortunately, work with! Should know late November if accepted.

The Lilith Charm is inching towards final draft now. Have done all the major editing. Just need to expand some chapters and add an additional two chapters for better flow and plot development. I am really hoping to have the final draft completed by mid-october, which is when it needs to be ready anyway if the Hachette Livre programme comes through.

Otherwise I still have a poem in submission process and I received a couple of copies of Pendulum with Pieta right there in the pages!

Hope all are well!

Adi Gibb

PIETA

2008-08-14T03:03:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,

Just found out that a short story of mine called Pieta has been accepted into Pendulum Magazine for the 2008 edition. This is a literary anthology of works put together by the Chisholm Institute and distributed yearly. It will be launched at the Melbourne Writer's Festival on August 22nd. Unfortunately I can't be there!

Otherwise just scribbling away with a few submissions in at the moment, namely a poem, a short story and a piece of micro-fiction. Also waiting to hear back from Hachette Livre about the Manuscript Development Programme, so have to get my manuscript ship shape by then!

Hope all are well!

Adi

New poem and an article

2008-07-17T04:23:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,

A poem I wrote about Christmas in July is now on as a permanent poem in the Christmas Spirit section of the online Christmas site- Christmas Magazine. It will also be used in their online Advent Calendar this Christmas. It is not meant to be anything other than another xmas poem that I will share with Hamish when he is older, but I am glad it is getting some attention none the less. Here is the link: http://www.christmasmagazine.com/en/spirit/poem01.asp

My next article to appear in Focus in the August edition is a feature on Project Abraham, which I really enjoyed researching and writing, making contact with retired Bishops, Imams, Rabbis and the co-ordinator of the project herself. If you would like to find out more about the project see: http://www.projectabraham.org.au/

We are off for a trip to Tassie in a couple of weeks but hope to have a couple of short stories done by then!

Hope everyone is in the midst of magic!

Adi

Latest News

2008-06-29T04:00:00.001-07:00

A short story of mine called 'Burn Me' will be appearing in issue 126 of Antipodean SF, an online speculative fiction magazine, in mid-november. I also have a poem and a short story currently being considered by Eureka Street and another poem elsewhere. I am very hopeful about Eureka Street!

The biggest news however is I have finally been given a permanent regular PAID writing gig! The editor of Focus, the newspaper to the Anglican Diocese of Brisbane, wants an article per issue, which amounts to monthly. While this means a certain amount of having to write about what I am told to write about, they are very open to pitching ideas and my next article for them, my third, is going to be about Project Abraham, which I have always wanted to do something on. Very excited and looking forward to the challenge.

Novel wise I am currently in preparation for submitting part of my manuscript to a development programme which is being held in November by the Queensland Writer's Centre and Hachette Livre. Only ten 'emerging' writers are allocated a place and it would be incredible if I got in, though it would mean five days away from home which I don't like. Anyway, fingers crossed!

Finally the Christmas website that published the poem that this blog is based on, Beyond a Snowy Path, are interested in an idea of mine where I explore the notion of Christmas in July here in Australia. About half way through the first draft of that one. It comes as we are preparing for a big Christmas in July feast at our place on July 12th! Good timing!

Well better dash, hope all are well.

Adi

It's finished!

2008-05-04T05:35:00.000-07:00

"The Lilith Charm" has now been written! Well, the first draft anyway!

It is about seven thousand words short of my goal word length but I am hoping to make that up in the second draft.

SUCH a relief to have it finished as I have a deadline on March 12th to meet for an article and a competition deadline of May 31st! So now I can relax a bit and concentrate on other things for a short time before I start the wonderful process of proofing, editing and re-drafting!

I am contemplating setting up a second blog for the book where I will post news about progress and submissions etc. If I do I will also include a synopsis so everyone can see just what it is all about!

Anyway, chuffed to have finished!

Adi

NUMBER 20!!

2008-04-22T04:50:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,

Just got final confirmation of my 20th publication!

A short story of mine called 'Numen's Sign' will be appearing in the on-line magazine Eureka Street. The address is: http://www.eurekastreet.com.au/ and the story will be in the fiction section as of tomorrow!

Also heard back from Focus! They liked my article and have commissioned another with a May 11th deadline! So I am working on that at the moment.

The novel should be finished next week! At least the first draft!

Please forgive this self-indulgent post about my 20th! It's just, I can remember aching for my 1st!

Hope this post finds everyone in the midst of magic.

Adi

Article published and other news

2008-04-08T03:52:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,

In the May edition of Focus, the newspaper sent out to the whole of the Anglican Diocese of Brisbane, an article I have written about Aaron Ghiloni called A WEEK IN THE LIFE OF A YOUTH AND FAMILIES MINISTER will be appearing.

In other news I have a few submissions out and waiting for responses. My novel is getting there! I have about three large chapters to go! Depending on how long these chapters are, I have a feeling that I will be about 5000 words short of my intended word length, but hopefully I can gain this, and more, in the edit and re-drafting.

Hope all are well,

Adi Gibb

Novel news

2008-03-16T06:03:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone,

I hit the 40000 word mark tonight which means that I am just over half way there!

I also was able to finish the historical sub-plot on Friday last which was great. I certainly felt so much more comfortable writing within the historical genre and I may explore conentrating on that field for future projects.

Meanwhile I have about nine or ten more chapter to go before I finish this one and I feel like I am on the downward run, although it is still a long way to the finish line.

Looking forward to letting you know when I have finished the first draft and, quite frankly, looking forward to tackling some of the myriad of ideas I have had for short stories etc while I am concentrating on this project.

Adi

Update

2008-02-28T03:00:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone,

Well I am in the middle of writing my second novel. It is tentatively titled 'The Devil's Journal', though another possibility is 'Lilith'. I am about 25 000 words in and confident I will make my target word length. I am currently working on the historical sub-plot of the book which required quite a bit of research but I am happy with the results. Anyway, will keep this blog informed as to when it is finished.

Last week I sold another copy of 'Fidelis'. Sales have not gone through the roof by any means, but I feel that it served a fantastic purpose to learn more about what it takes to write a novel. I still think back to the lessons learned while writing 'Fidelis' as I am writing this one.

The literary magazine which will be publishing a short story of mine called 'Salute' in its first edition should be up and running soon. An artist has drawn two illustrations to go along with the story and I have seen them both. They are very good and should add the right feel to the story. Again, will post here once it is up.

That is about all for now. I do have two short stories, one called 'Numen's Sign' and one called 'Pieta' which are in the submission process at the moment and I will let you know if these are successful in gaining publication.

Adi

CROSS

2008-01-09T03:31:00.000-08:00

A very short story of mine called CROSS has just been published by The Outpost, an online magazine for Australian crime short stories. It can be found at: http://www.crimedownunder.com/TheOutpost.html

Haiku

2008-01-01T05:40:00.000-08:00

I am a participant in a current programme called A Month of Haiku, which involves providing a readers group with a Haiku for each day of January. This will then be reviewed and commented on by other members of the group.

However there is also a more public forum for the Haiku. On this blog: http://monthofhaiku08.blogspot.com/

Those who wish will be posting their Haiku as comments to Day 1, Day 2 etc of the blog relating to the programme. I will be doing this but am unsure as to when the poems will be available for viewing as there are permissions etc to go through first.

So if you want to look at one of my Haiku each day of this month (sounds like heaven I know) this is the address to do so.

Adi Gibb

Latest News

2007-12-20T04:12:00.000-08:00

I have just joined Redbubble, an online art gallery and creative community. If you go to this link in particular:

http://www.redbubble.com/people/adirong

You will see a profile of me and a piece of flash fiction (less than 500 words) and two unpublished poems of mine. A group within this community, called In the Moment, will be publishing a collection of works early next year and I hope at least one of these contributions will be included.

Adi

Poem news

2007-12-04T14:21:00.000-08:00

My poem Beyond a Snowy Path has been included in an online advent calendar run by the German/English website Christmas Magazine. It is located on the 5th day, which will only be accessible late on the 5th December our time due to time differences etc. For reference number 5 is located on Santa's wooden seat. The link is: http://www.christmasmagazine.com/en/mc/calendar.asp

Meanwhile Grumblethumps is up on the cherububble site as we speak so please check it out.

Adi Gibb

News

2007-11-13T04:34:00.000-08:00

A German/English Christmas website called Christmas Magazine is showing interest in Beyond A Snowy Path and I should hear quite soon if they will publish it. If so, they have agreed to include a link to this site.

Meanwhile a children's poem I wrote called Grumblethumps has been accepted for publication throughout December and January on a website called Cherububble, which has great exposure for emerging writers. Again, they have agreed to include a link to this site so some exposure for this poem should be forthcoming.

Finally a short story of mine set in the French Revolution called Salute is in the final pre-press stages. The illustrator is working on two sketches to accompany it. I have seen, loved and approved the first one, and now just waiting on the second. Will hopefully be in print soon.

I am also currently working on my second novel, as always, but also a short story for the One Brisbane Many Stories competition, probably titled Pieta. The deadline in December 10th so getting down to the wire!

Adi

2007-10-28T23:41:00.000-07:00

BEYOND A SNOWY PATH

For Hamish

Down a misty lane, and beyond a snowy path
Stands a thatched cottage with a woman at the hearth.
Her name is Sister Mary, for she chose to be a nun
And she sits by a roaring fire with a cat upon her tum.

I sat in a comfy chair, under the cards arrived by mail
Anxious for a story and a wondrous Christmas tale.
"When I was young girl…" she began to softly relate
"A little older than you, I guess maybe about eight..."

I lived in a large orphanage and had a very sad life
As all the girls around me loved nothing more than strife!
We lived in small grey rooms, but maintained a big grey home
From the rat infested cellar to the large rooftop dome

All I had to look forward to throughout the dreary year
Was the day that Santa came and handed out good cheer
You can surely imagine then how distraught a girl could get
When told by my two friends that I was actually being wet!

'There is no Santa silly!' they said with a guffaw
And left me all alone, sad and crying and on the floor
I confess I sat in misery before I stood again
With a wonderful idea that would confound my so-called friends!

I would stay up all Christmas Eve, with a camera in my fingers
And take a picture of Santa, and prove that he still lingers.
A window way up high, was where I hatched my plan
With a blanket round my shoulders, and my camera in my hand.

I lasted for some hours though I shivered in my shoes
Until despite my efforts I succumbed to sleepy snooze.
Until I awoke with a fright, for a noise had made me start
And my breathing became quicker with the beating of my heart.

For through the snowy evening, to the left of the grey dome
Stood a man we know as Santa but he wasn’t there alone.
I slowly inched towards him and crawled out on the roof
And had to stop from screaming, as I bumped a Reindeer’s hoof.

But still I kept on crawling, though I couldn’t feel my knees
And then, as I got closer, I had to go and sneeze!
The reaction to my action was swift and fast and fair
Santa turned to face me and his friend flew into the air!

I must have shown my feelings, of awe and sheer delight
For the creature smiled brightly, and then flew into the night.
'And what is this?' Santa boomed with his hands on his red hips
But though I tried, with all my might, I couldn’t move my lips.

'What did you hear?' he asked, in a voice all soft with dread
But shocked and silent and full of fear I simply just shook my head.
With a small sigh and a grimace, and a poorly disguised moan
He picked me up and placed me on top of the rooftop dome.

He looked at me for a moment, as if weighing the cons and pros
And then, having decided, he unburdened all his woes.
'That creature was an angel' he said in a warm sweet voice
'And I wish I hadn’t met him, though I doubt I had a choice'

'Christmas is in danger, though that alone would be fine
The reason I am so sad, is that something else is on the line'
And then he told me a story that many just don’t believe
But it’s true, I can assure you, for I saw it on that Eve.

You see what many don’t know, so few on this bright earth
Is that the faith that we all share helps a star shine on a birth
The star that showed the shepherds and the wise men from the East
Where to find a baby Jesus, asleep and in his peace.

The brightness of that star, which allowed those men to find
Is fuelled by all our faith from back then and all through time.
'So why are you so sad?' I asked, now confused again
'We know that star shone brightly over the place of Bethlehem!'

'Don’t you see?' Santa said, in a voice so dark and dire
'It is faith through all the ages that lit that holy fire!
And as that faith diminishes, and people turn away from the light
That star gets ever weaker and soon will not be bright'

'And then how will the shepherds three and the wise men from afar
Be shown to baby Jesus, if not by that fair star!'
We sat for a few moments, lost in our own thoughts
Then Santa rose up quickly and caused some reindeer snorts

'What is your name?' he said to me, in a determined but friendly way
'Mary', I said, with a smile, as he helped me to his sleigh.
'Come' he said with authority 'We are going for a trip'
And he whistled to his reindeer and flicked the brake off with his hip.

I confess my heart went cold, and my soul was rife with fears
For the sleigh I was now riding in was traveling back in years
For when the sleigh stopped, and it skidded to a halt
A manger appeared before me, and I stood up with a jolt.

'Am I where I think I am?' I asked Santa with a yelp
'Yes' he said 'You surely are, we have to try and help'
Before I could take a breath and before I could adjust my eyes
My ears echoed loudly with holy baby cries.

'Come' said Santa quickly, 'We must away from here
And find that holy star that needs faith, and hope and cheer'
So the sleigh again rose up, even higher into the sky
Until we saw before us a sight that made me cry.

The star had lost its power, its dullness made me swoon
As I looked upon the Manger, now lit only by the moon.
'What can we do' said Santa 'To light this light so bright
And bring faith back to the future, so to shine this star tonight?'

It was then I started thinking of the mission I was on
And the reason I had stayed up, in the cold, the whole night long.
'Santa, don’t you see' I said at an excited pace
'The faith we seek can still be seen, just shifted in its place'

'What do you mean?' Santa asked, as he caused his sleigh to stop
'Have you found the faith that falters? And continues to ever drop?'
'Yes!' I said excitedly 'At least a place to start!
For every Christmas season I see faith in many hearts!'

'Every child that is living, in the time from when I come
Has faith in all your reindeer, your jolly beard and your tum!'
'That is true little one' said Santa 'Though that faith is oft misplaced
For all I do, and have ever done, is for that babies face'

'I am a champion of that baby, the finest he could pick
It is not for nothing that Santa Claus is really old Saint Nick!'
'Well then' I said with glee and a patient cheerful stare.
'Why not pass that faith on with a simple little prayer!'

At that Santa brightened, for a solution had been found!
He flew the sleigh down quickly and knelt down on the ground.
'I pray to you dear infant, asleep and in your grace
To receive this gift from me, the one with the jolly face'

'The faith that oft flows to me, through Yuletide feasts and song
And the faith that children give me, and not you, where it belongs'
And then a flash of lightening lit the sky so far and wide
And the famous star of Bethlehem shone brightly down with pride.

And Santa stood and hugged me and ruffled my mousey hair
'Mary, you have reminded me of the power of a prayer'
With that we flew to the future, and my sad wee orphan’s home
And Santa landed gently to the left of the grey dome.

'Mary you just saved Christmas' Santa said and helped me stand
'So ask for any present and I will give it if I can'
'Take me with you' I blurted out 'Away from this grey place
To make dolls and books and presents and toys and bikes and lace'

'I’m sorry Mary' he said, with a sympathetic edge
'Where I live must stay a secret, that is my solemn pledge!
But as you helped me so much to give this world a sweet reprieve
I will come and take you with me on my trip each Christmas Eve'

"And he does", said Sister Mary, now back into the present
"I fly with him each Holy Eve and our chats are always pleasant"
The roaring fire crackled and it took some time to speak
I saw the cat still sleeping and the tree lights blink and tweak

I sat back in my chair and shook my head in awe
"Did all that really happen? Really? Are you sure?"
Sister Mary stood up, and slowly limped over to me
Then gave me a memento that made me gasp with glee

"In that picture you can see, through the dark and snowy freeze
The very sight I saw that night before I chanced to sneeze"
The old picture in my hand showed two people in the night
One looked just like Santa Claus, with an Angel on his right.

"You must be going now" she said "So I can bake some buns
And put on some warm clothing for the sleigh ride, when he comes!"
And so down a misty lane, and beyond a snowy path
I left a small thatched cottage, an old woman at the hearth.

Are her tales truthful, and the adventures she perceives?
If yay or nay, I know this day, I’ll be back next Christmas Eve!

Beyond a Snowy Path - A Christmas Tale

2007-10-28T23:33:00.000-07:00

Welcome to a blog set up exclusively for a Christmas poem written by Adrian Gibb. It is, in a way, an homage to Moore's 'The Night Before Christmas', but unique in its plot, which involves a story-telling Nun, a depressed Santa Claus having a clandestine meeting with an Angel, a time-travelling sleigh and a Star of Bethlehem which has lost its brightness!

It was written last year for my son Hamish and is dedicated, as always, to my little boy. It is also my gift to everyone who still loves Christmas and can be filled with the spirit!

The next post will be the poem!