The Carollers (Poetry)

Dark, the evenings — bitter weather
chilled the bone through fur and leather
none recalled a winter ever
so severe and grim

They fought to keep their home fires going
through the vicious north winds blowing
down their chimneys, cold air flowing
shrinking flames grown dim

Despite such dismal deprivations
folk planned their Yuletide celebrations
prayed for angels’ ministrations
depending on God’s whim

Yet temperatures dropped even lower
long shadows deepened, pulse rates slower
the sky maintained its fearful glower
that threatened life and limb

December dragged its days so dreary
the villagers grew less than cheery
faith worn thin and battle-weary
came close to giving in ...

Then a child — the youngest of five brothers
and ‘special’ in his doting mother’s
view — born different from the others
none more wise than him

This boy began the sweetest singing
from his throat glad carols ringing
reviving hope — those lyrics bringing
old magic circling ...

More voices joined in — near and distant
joy beamed bright and cold-resistant
echoed through the hills — persistant
as hearts filled to the brim

From the far East a change of weather —
snow fell as light as any feather
tradition’s blanket pure as ever
softened the earth’s rim

The logs burned well, the fires glowed brighter
all things sparkled, stars shone whiter
while faith held firm, love bound still tighter
the Spirit entered in