Voices of Hope

A Christmas play in poetic verse A collaboration by MomzillaNC, KLGoode, MAD ENGLISHMAN, John Gabriel, & Rita L. Sev Composed December 2014

The Players
Angels: Afriel [penned by MomzillaNC]
Zadkiel [penned by KLGoode]
Jophiel [penned by MAD ENGLISHMAN]

Humans: Son of Adam [penned by John Gabriel]
Daughter of Eve [penned by Rita L. Sev]





























Introduction by angels in unison - offstage [penned by MomzillaNC]
A trio of Angels… a-watching,
Guiding fragile humanity…
These three always and ever hoping
Mankind o’ercomes petty frailty…

     Afriel: In this season of expectation
Afriel, angel o’Hope and Youth
Inspires in all new contemplation
Planting frail seeds of Peace and Truth

  Jophiel: I am come, not with flags and fanfares.
But Hope and inspiration bring.
Can we but take away mankind’s cares
And renewed, yuletide praises sing?

  Zadkiel: I am Zadkiel, the third of nine, 
Share my comfort and kindness,
Time to find a guiding light to shine;
Calm serenity in darkness.

Afriel, dear angel Jophiel,
What has become of brother man?
Do they need a reminder gentle,
The Christmas season is at hand?

  Jophiel: A light you seek to aid humankind
Th’Light given e're 2000 years
Yet these mortals do not seek to find
That sacred peace that knows no fears.

     Afriel: What more may we say to wayward man?
Oft and oft reminders we’ve lent…
Peace gives way to war since time began…
Burned up the hopeful Youth we’ve sent.

  Jophiel: Pestilence and plague sent t’give them fright
A thousand peaceful prayer desires
And I’ll wash away their love of fight,
A thousand sparks t’light cleansing fires.

  Zadkiel: Often I despair and then delight,
Cru-el but kind these men can be,
Care for more than kin on Christmas night,
Hope is alive ‘neath the trimmed tree.

     Afriel: Angel Jophiel, what’s that shines there?
Bright shines Heaven’s light upon earth.
Man rushes in to soothe plague’s scare.
They still seek peace in soul’s Rebirth.

  Jophiel: Like moths they gather beneath God’s light
Each holds aloft a candle flame
On Cringle’s eve, they pray for Earth’s plight
Hearts lift with carols in His name

     Afriel: I hear the music, Hosanna’s Ring
Hearts and minds raised in gratitude
Hands lent for Hope and comfort to bring
Bending to feed His multitude

  Zadkiel: I hear people sing with open hearts,
See them joyful with season's cheer, 
Continuing on through fits and starts,
Never surrendering to fear.

 Son of Adam: The seed of Adam I am become,
Man’s image here on earth’s domain,
With sins planted on my brow the sum
Of all his hopes, desire and pain.

As we come towards the Savior's birth,
Not all are here to celebrate,
To many just  gluttony and mirth
Or pain and hunger is their fate.

Though many good men do selfless deeds
Not ALL men of faiths gather here,
Still  they will show love for those with needs,
Easing hunger, cold, thirst and fear.

  Jophiel: Can they sustain across a year's span?
  Zadkiel: God's love and light does live in you.
     Afriel: The Song of Heaven rings new in Man
    Angels - Unison: Son of Adam doth hope anew

   Daughter of Eve: Eve's own heir, I nurture fragile life
Mother's faithful heart beats within
I hold Earth's future, my wishes rife
For true brotherhood to begin
 
As Yuletide fills each heart again
Their hopeful voices sing as one
They harmonize with righteous men
The advent of the Dawning Sun

So hearken now the joyous news,
The melody and each bell’s toll,
For in these notes my hope renews
That humankind can be made whole

     Afriel: The hope renewed in Man doth shine forth
  Jophiel: In all tongues shall man’s faith increase
  Zadkiel: From lips of Man and God love shall poureth
    Angels - Unison: Daughter doth raise up Hope and Peace

     Afriel: Harken, eternal companions mine
Mankind doth join Heaven’s chorus
Youth and inspiration brightly shine
They heed the call to Peace from us 

  Zadkiel: The hour is nearly upon us all,
From every corner gather,
Men who have answered His holy call,
Join with the Spirit Son and Father.

  Jophiel: Relived in that first star's shining light

Tonight, men sing 'neath His banner

We our tasks complete this holy night

Angels all now sing "Hosanna!"

Conclusion by angels unison: [penned by KLGoode]
Standing vigil we stars from afar,
Three angels to shelter and guide,
Bowing to worship on the altar,
We shall ever be by your side.

Afriel - Traditional angelic lore informs us that this being of light safeguards young life, and is also considered to be protective of that which is youthful and tenderly growing within each of us, no matter how old we actually are. Afriel is believed to grant youth, vigor and vitality and is prayed to for these gifts and attributes. Afriel encourages newness and exploration, offering guidance to those who dare new thoughts. He inspires our spirits with hope, promise and a belief in the ideals of youth. An angel considered to be protective of children and young animals by thwarting the designs of the female demon Obizuth who would see them destroyed. He is also an angel of force (power) who may be Raphael in disguise. 

Zadkiel Angel of Prayer " An angel of solace, charity and gentleness. Zadkiel is an angel with several different identities, depending on the reference. In a Theological Discourse of Angels, by Benjamin Camfield, Zadkiel is the angel of Jupiter. Because he is the ruler of the sign of the zodiac of that planet. According to the Zohar, Zadkiel is one of two chieftains who assist Michael when the archangel goes into battle. Zadkiel is also said to be a co-chief of the order of shinanim (along with Gabriel) and one of the nine rulers of heaven, as well as one of the seven archangels presiding next to God. In rabbinic works, Zadkiel is the angel of benevolence, mercy, memory, and chief of the order of dominions. But perhaps the most common identity of Zadkiel is the one presented in the Bible, where he prevents Abraham from sacrificing his young son Isaac to God. We pray to-this sacred one for comfort when we are in need of gentle guidance. Zadkiel also kindles a desire for spiritual development in humankind. He guards the powers of invocation; the best known and most powerful form: prayer. Zadkiel will facilitate the healing and transcendence of unhealed energy generated from painful experiences so that we may realize forgiveness. Upon our request, Zadkiel will assist in our releasing, healing and transcending negative thought patterns and negative beliefs that we developed within the illusion of self defense against painful experiences and against unbalanced relationships.

Jophiel - The Archangel of art and beauty, is the patron of artists, helping with artistic projects, thinking beautiful thoughts, to see and appreciate beauty around us. Helping to create beauty at home and at work, Jophiel illuminates our creative spark by giving us ideas and energy to carry out artistic ventures. He also helps us to see the beauty in all things, including people. You know Jophiel is at work if you are searching for answers to the questions in your life and wish the greater wisdom to be revealed to you, and all of a sudden you experience flashes of insight in which everything suddenly becomes clear. ("The Beauty of God") By some accounts Angel Jophiel guarded the Tree of Knowledge in Eden, drove Adam and Eve out of the Garden of Eden, and watched over Noah's three sons His symbol is a flaming sword.

Son of Adam - The representative voice of wider humankind, both male and female, throughout the world. The character speaks on behalf of human society.

Daughter of Even - The representative voice of the soul of humanity in humankind, both male and female. She speaks of the hopes for future generations.

directed by D. Denise Dianaty (contributing poet)

Reviews

[icelandicblue]

This is an angelic opus people! You've captured the beauty, hope and kindness that are the ingredients of our guardians. They carry our hope when we are too bereft or tired to do so. It's a beautiful poem and an amazing group heaven. Hark the Herald Angels Sing...A perfectly lovely poem for the season.

[MomzillaNC]

Thanks so much! Merry Christmas.

[MAD ENGLISHMAN]

I'm so pleased you enjoyed it. we had fun writing it.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Thank you so much IB!

[Rita L. Sev]

Thanks, Blue!

[Lyn Anderson]

Thank you for your comments.

[Rene Salinas]

I find this so attractive! I am a real fan of stage plays. In fact one act or scene plays are my favorite artistic medium. So in temrs of concept I find this fascinating! Please do not think I'm am criticising in any way but I would like to add or contribute as the concept could be helped in my subjective view by letting everyone know from the beggining as this scripts normally do. They let the reader know the characthers and how they are dressed. The scene or geographical location and the mood created by the music even if it doesn't have any it still says it. I say this because in my humble - I think the information at the end was not needed as indeed what goes at the start will set all the information required. Again that's just my inclinations in terms of structure.

The theme is great. The influence placed upon by the angelical figures always trying to reach us and yet we seem only to touch them in rare moments.

The efforts that has gone into this is really contagious as gathering all them wirters and uniting them not an easy thing to do. I think this might be a great representation of things to come even.

You seem to have a skill for bringing people together.

Thankyou for this invite.

[MomzillaNC]

Thank you so very much. I'm deeply honored and proud to have been part of this collaboration. Everyone seemed so dedicated to creating something meaningful and timeless.

IKWYM about stage setting. I've actually worked costuming and stage sets. But, I worked quite a few things that left much interpretive room in production. I thought about stage setting. But, honestly, this could be set anywhere in any kind of culture. I didn't want to limit anyone's interpretations with my own. And, productions often toss out all those stage directions anyway. Just look at some of the stunning reinterpretations Kenneth Branaugh has given us for Shakespeare!

As for the information at the bottom, well, the angels I chose are not well known. The natures of those angels are really the only defining stage direction I feel this piece needs.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Many thanks Rene for such a considered response

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you, Rene, for your thoughtful review!

[Lyn Anderson]

Thank you for your review.

[hardeep sabharwal]

It is nice to see u all of you together, it is a fantastic read, for sure I would like to read it again :)

[MomzillaNC]

TYVM :D

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Thank you Hardeep

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you!

[MAD ENGLISHMAN]

We're so happy you enjoyed this work. may we wish you a very Happy Christmas.

[Lyn Anderson]

Thank you for your comments.

[Lyn Anderson]

Thank you MomzillaNC for conceiving this massive collaboration, and having the patience and vision to see it through. It is truly beautiful, and I believe in the end the poets you picked fit very well into the piece. I am happy to have been a part of it.

[MomzillaNC]

Thank you for lending your voice to this piece as well. I'm so honored and proud to have been part of this collaboration.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Ha madam KLG you too were in on the production and organisation so well done you!

[Rita L. Sev]

Agreed - it was great being part of this group!

[MAD ENGLISHMAN]

Best thing I've done in a long time.

[Lyn Anderson]

So amazing. This one was truly a feat

[MomzillaNC]

Thank you. I’m glad you still find our little stage play agreeable.

[Mila]

Awesome collaboration! I was captivated from start to finish and all I can say now is 'bravo' this is awesome! This was an absolute joy to read!
Well done!! :D

[MomzillaNC]

TYVM! :D

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Thank you Mila for such fulsome praise

[MAD ENGLISHMAN]

We all had fun and it was a challenge. so glad you enjoyed it.

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you, Mila!

[Sanjh]

This is just AMAZING, frankly speaking, I don't have right words to describe what I want to say. Without any doubt this is my best read on writerscafe.org since I've joined. Just awesome, the chemistry between you guys is flawless. A true masterpiece it is. Till now I've not added any writings to my library, but this one goes in. I've some knowledge about the archangels, tried my best to relate to it. I want to keep on writing here but not getting the right words.

Just amazing, thank you so much Momzilla to share it...A perfect 100 for you guys...:)

[MomzillaNC]

Thank you very much. And, for your own writing, the best thing you can do is read great literature. Study the time-honored greats at length. I've said it many times, "Writers write always. Great writers read, then write."

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Many thanks Sanjh

[MAD ENGLISHMAN]

We are pleased that you enjoyed it

[Rita L. Sev]

So glad you enjoyed! Thank you, Sanjh!

[emmajoy]

This is CRAFT or CREATION personified, tis beautiful in its feeling, it's majestic in style. Am truly stunned by its eloquence. There's such a lyrical sound when read aloud (as it should be, surely.) What's incredible is that five writers have melded all the right elements biblical/spiritual and philosophical .

[MomzillaNC]

Thanks so much.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Thank you Emma for such a wonderful review from an accomplished and well loved writer as yourself.

[MAD ENGLISHMAN]

Thank you Emma this is a wonderful review. we're all so happy you enjoyed reading.

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you for such kind words, Emmajoy!

[R Smith]

beautiful writing from very talented writers, a deeply interesting poem almost Shakespearian in its form and style but given an updated way of speaking, well done to every writer here you have a play to be proud of :)

[MomzillaNC]

Thank you.

[MAD ENGLISHMAN]

We're so happy you enjoyed our little project.

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you!

[Confuser]

Thought you guys did such a glorious job. It is so beautiful. Truly every one from beginning to end. Reading the history of the angels was also interesting. I cannot say express enough just how much I truly enjoyed it. Bravo to you all. Thank you so much!

[MomzillaNC]

Thank you.

[Confuser]

You are so welcome. Wonderful....singing Christmas carols, poorly. Poor dogs.

[MomzillaNC]

;D :D

[Confuser]

Have no idea why it does this. Have a wonderful weekend.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Many thanks for your review Confuser

[Confuser]

You are welcome. Very well done; I enjoyed it. Bravo!

[MAD ENGLISHMAN]

Really happy you enjoyed it.

[Confuser]

Wonderful collaboration: Thank you!

[Rita L. Sev]

So glad you enjoyed! Thank you!

[Confuser]

Great work. Thank you.

[Sami Khalil]

Excellent collaboration from our two great poets. Creative and original....:).....

[MomzillaNC]

Thank you. Actually, it's a collaboration between five poets. The list of poets is at the top of the page, above the first picture.

[Sami Khalil]

Wow. The more, the merrier. You are welcome...:).....

[MAD ENGLISHMAN]

Hi Sami. This was new for me as you will know from my work. I'm so proud to be a part of it. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[Sami Khalil]

You are welcome...:).......

[John Alexander McFadyen]

MomzillaNC and KLG did the hard work Sami and the 'stage direction' made it a fun write. Many thanks

[Sami Khalil]

Many welcomes...:).......

[Rita L. Sev]

Thanks, Sami!

[NoelHC]

A very well done collaboration, congratulations to all of you.

[MomzillaNC]

Thank you!

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Many thanks Noel

[MAD ENGLISHMAN]

I'm so happy you enjoyed it.

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you!