Hark The Herald (Poetry)

A blackbird in a holly bush
sang himself to sleep
red berries glowing in the hush
that settled still and deep

Sharp prickles kept old ghosts at bay
no rustle roused the bird
no cautious hunter ploughed a way
through falling snow unheard

Dawn lifted up its weary lid
and squinted at the scene
the blackbird from its cover slid
and searched around for green

He found some crumbs that kindness threw
and praised the morning loud
his song a gift that floated true
from silver-lined grey cloud

He woke the frozen woodland world
and cheered its dreaming heart
as gradually small lives uncurled
so Christmas Day could start