7th Oct 2024
On a very cold New Year’s Eve, a little girl named Anna walked through the snow. Her fingers were freezing as she tried to sell matches with a hopeful glow. She wore old clothes that were tattered and worn, dreaming of warmth, though she felt so forlorn.
Anna’s heart was heavy, her belly felt thin. She called out for help but did not have a kin. The streets were so busy, but no one saw her there, lost in the crowd, wrapped in cold winter air.
To keep herself warm, she struck a match with a spark. Suddenly, a vision appeared in the dark! She saw a warm fire that crackled with cheer, filling her heart with joy and no fear.
With each match she lit, her dreams would unfold: a feast on the table, and a story retold. She saw her dear mother, so gentle and kind. In that glowing warmth, true happiness shined.
The second match flared, and she saw a great tree, with ornaments twinkling, as beautiful as could be. Magical lights hung like stars in the night, and Anna felt safe in that wonderful light.
She lit another match, and a snowman danced near, with a smile on his face, bringing laughter and cheer. She could hear the children, all laughing in play, reminding her of love on this cold winter day.
Yet outside the vision, the chill crept on near, people rushed past her, too busy to care. But in her little world, all was warm and bright, a place full of love, shining through the night.
With one final match, she closed her eyes tight. She saw her dear family, waiting for her in light. They held out their arms, with love all around. In that shining moment, true joy she had found.
As the morning sun rose, the cold air was gone. But Anna’s sweet visions still lingered on. Though her matchsticks had burned in the frost and the chill, her warm little heart held the memory still.
So let us remember, as the new year begins, to share our warmth and love, and let kindness win. For those who are lonely, or lost in the night, may they find warm reflections of love shining bright.