Christmas Night
It was silent on the hillside
A shepherd boy watched his sheep
‘Snow is on its way’, he mused
‘I must not go to sleep’
No company this Christmas night
Alone, forlorn and sad
He thought of the family home
And the joy he never had
His was a lonely life
Lived - in thoughts and dreams
None of which would come true
He just sat in moonlight beams
No predator could he detect
Everywhere was still and bright
But as he watched, he saw ahead
Men approaching in the night
‘Who can that be? I don’t expect
Any visitors to come this way
No one ever ventures here
By night or even day’
Men in very strange attire
Walked to his makeshift tent
‘Fear not’, said one man quietly
‘We have no ill intent’.
‘You must know the countryside
We would like to ask your aid
We are searching for a child
A long journey we have made
We have precious gifts to give
The child when him we find’
‘See, my clothes are very worn
To me you could be kind
This is my work for many years
On my mind are only sheep
I know no one hereabouts
And at night I never sleep
I do not know who you are
Or from whence you came
You may be true and innocent
Or just seeking phoney fame’
The three men looked surprised
No one ever spoke this way
They had wealth, they had power
Their commands men would obey
They were known as wise men
From the east they travelled far
Who was this boy who doubted them?
Did he not see their guiding star?
‘I have watched the skies for years
I have nothing else to do
Tonight the stars are just the same
I do not believe in you
If you help me to survive
If you give me food to eat
I would wish you well tonight
And be pleased that we did meet’
The three men went along the path
Looked no more in his face
They carried their wealth with them
In their hearts he had no place
Chasing a light across a sky
Was their mission on that night
Not noticing a child - shivering
Having been given a nasty fright
Blinded by their own beliefs
They left the child in need
Through his eyes God looked out
But his glance - they did not heed
Copyright©A Coatesworth 2007
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