Oh yes he said, there was a birth, <br />you ask me how I’m sure <br /> <br />remember shepherds train themselves <br />to see the slightest things <br />on dark nights, on starlit nights <br />when it’s windy, when it’s still, <br />when snow makes strange lights, <br />strange shapes, strange shadows – <br /> <br />under the shadow of that low stone wall, <br />there’s a darker shadow… does it move? <br /> <br />yes, it’s a great job, out there on a starlit light, <br />a great bowl of stars, nothing to do except <br />be alert the whole time; so you never miss <br />the unexpected; so peaceful, there’s already love <br />for everything around you. Best job in the world. <br /> <br />so you can’t miss anything out of the ordinary; <br />what’s not so easy is to explain to others… <br />but it’s all here in my heart; my children know it’s true.. <br /> <br />but it’s funny how you remember the small things <br />on a special day. <br />The straw. When it’s clean, it’s always gold of course <br />and shiny. But I’d never seen straw shine like that. <br /> <br />And the cow’s eyes. You know how cattle look at you <br />as if they’re interested, but not very interested? <br />That one was different. It seemed to know <br />just why it was a cow.. <br /> <br />And then of course the other guys. <br />You don’t come so far, so precise <br />unless you’re very wise. <br /> <br />Far things and near things. We each <br />have our special skills, he said; <br />in the high things and the humble, <br />love. <br />It’s here, and there.<br /><br />Michael Shepherd<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/a-silent-night-and-stars/
