Shepherd Poem by Janice Walkden

In the middle of the night, I awoke to see a shining light
It was so bright I couldn’t see, I closed my eyes and it spoke to me
In fear I fell upon the ground,
then the air fell still, there was not a sound
The light had gone though we were shaken
We looked around, no sheep had been taken
The voice had told us to follow a star
across the landscape - it looked quite far
We tried for a while but we could not sleep
so we grabbed a lantern and one of the sheep
We travelled all night until the dawn
found the Christchild there in a stable born
His mother Mary was close by
Along with the Angels sent from God on High
It was all too much - a sight to behold
I handed over the new lamb from my fold
An unusual gift for a baby for sure
Others brought him gold frankinsence and myrhh
But Jesus couldn’t settle even though he’d been fed
Mary just cuddled him, kissing his head
I am sorry but I don’t mean to offend
I am finding it hard to comprehend
why a poor shepherd should be the one
to witness the birth of Gods dear son
Don’t worry said Mary this is just right
Your gift will keep my baby warm on this cold winters night
The lamb was placed next to the babe in the manger
an unusual gift from a humble stranger
Baby Jesus fell asleep, finally at peace
So snug now next to the lovely warm fleece