What On Earth (Poetry)

Night settled cold upon that hill
a bitter winter wind was blowing
their fire could not hold back the chill
its pile of sticks was barely glowing

The shepherds huddled, frozen numb
while all around new lambs were bleating
high in the air a distant hum
that came in waves, its song repeating

In awe they listened — checked the sky
and saw one star outshone its brothers
with beams so bright it caught the eye
and rumours spread attracting others

Entranced, they followed where it led
as constant as a sign foretelling
a king born in a cattle shed
His chosen place for this night’s dwelling

They came and saw God’s promised Son
straw-bedded in that modest manger
and knelt in honour there among
a company of beasts and strangers

Then, returning to their flocks again
they talked of this divine event
how it might change the lives of men
and wondered what on earth it meant