“Centennial Christmas”

In the end, I took inspiration from the Christmas Truce of 1914, as it was to be the centennial of the event (I promise I had the idea before the Sainsbury’s advert was launched later that year). I wrote the lyrics below, and my husband (conveniently a West End musician) collaborated with me to set it to music.

I felt very privileged when we won, and our carol was performed at a special Christmas concert, although I was gutted that I couldn’t attend as I was flying in Neverland as Wendy Darling in a Paul Holman Associates Production of “Peter Pan”. I did, however, attend a rehearsal, where I had the wonderful experience of hearing my words brought to life by the beautiful choir of Sloane Square Choral Society, who gave my husband and I the warmest of welcomes, and kindest of words. A huge thank you to all involved.

A barren desolate land of blackened earth swells as a hungry sea, 
whose towering, spiralling  waves 
consume as lords of villainy. 
On either side of this blackened sea
two islands watch in hate 
as they must send young sailors 
into these ravenous waves as bait. 
 
One hundred years ago on Christmas Day, 
they built a bridge in such a way
that seas would part and storms would cease,
and all men could stand once more in peace. 
One hundred years ago on Christmas Day. 
 
So many sailors lost at sea under skies which cry their pain. 
Still ships venture from each side though nothing can they gain. 
The blackened ground grows darker
as winters reign takes hold,
though cold hearts are renewed 
 when Christmas love is bold. 
 
One hundred years ago on Christmas Day, 
They built a bridge in such a way
that man could walk upon the shore
and forget all they were fighting for  
One hundred years ago on Christmas Day. 
 
They leave the islands to venture where savage sea has been, 
forgetting all the ship wrecks 
and lost sailors they have seen. 
Instead, after much distress, 
endeavour to share in mirth
with only love remembered upon the ruined earth. 
 
One hundred years ago on Christmas Day, 
they built a bridge in such a way
that we forgot such times of hate
and instead sought peace to create. 
This bridge could stand today as it did before
One hundred years ago on Christmas Day. 

© Chrissy Kett 2014