THE SHEPHERDS
Shepherds recline around the fire
Their long day’s work is done
The air is crisp, the sky is clear
they watch the setting sun
The sheep that grazed the fields by day
now safely sleep nearby
Men each take night-watch turns
to watch for wolves and foxes, sly
They eat some fish, some barley bread
drink water from the well
draw woolen blankets ‘round them, snug
they laugh and stories tell
Suddenly the calm is stirred
by singing in the sky
The shepherds lift their drowsy heads
What’s happening and why?
They can’t believe their ears and eyes
for what they hear and see…
a throng of shining faces, wings
snow white and fluttery!
The rugged shepherds tremble
The angels chant, “Do not fear…
We bring you tidings of great joy
all people need to hear
For unto you is born this day
in little Bethlehem
swaddled in a manger, Christ
The Savior of all men!
Glory to God in the highest!”
sweet angel voices sing
“Peace on earth, goodwill to men”
They proclaim the newborn King!
As the angels take their leave
the men vow in the morn
they’ll go to Bethlehem
The Christ, the newly born
So with the rising of the sun
each with his staff and rod
the shepherds with their sheep set off…
Their quest, the Lamb of God
Arriving at the humble place
the angels sang about
they enter with resounding praise
and hallelujah shouts!
As the shepherds kneel, adoring
a spotless wooly lamb
approaches the lowly manger
and gently nuzzles the I Am
Maude Carolan Pych
This is another selection from my little Christmas chapbook, From My Heart to Yours at Christmas…Cookies & Poems.
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