the stable door shakes in the cold night wind; <br />the cattle snort and snuffle in the straw; <br />by city wall the lanterns glint on steel; <br />what will become of Mary's child this year? <br /> <br />for are we sure that miracles stay true - <br />if lost to mind, to heart, to memory? <br />will Herod have the last laugh, one year soon? <br />wise men and shepherds miss the heavenly? <br /> <br />will children fail to sense, soon, in the light <br />that glints on tinsel and bright packages, <br />the holy present in the gift's delight; <br />nor sense the angels' textless messages? <br /> <br />this baby, gift-wrapped in its shawl and stall <br />just may be - may still be - the Lord of All? <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />revisited<br /><br />Michael Shepherd<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/0075-the-events-of-12-25/
