A Shepherd's Tale Poem by Kevin Rice

A Shepherd's Tale

Matthew, Mark, Luke and John
Did each their story write
But I, a shepherd, with my sheep
Was there that wondrous night

The flock were ill at ease upon the hill
The dark they knew, the rain familiar too
What was amiss we could not mark until
Above, in the skies, a mighty clamour grew

That filled our heads, and filled our hearts with awe
The angels' urgent message rang within
And drove our heels through dwellings till we saw
In Bethlehem, a stable and an inn

Where by a lantern's light, in biting cold,
Our hearts ablaze, with eyes amazed we saw
The animals, the couple and, behold!
An infant lay exalted, on the straw

The angels' song grew slow, soft in our ears
It told of peace, come to a world forlorn
We gazed upon the miracle through tears
We heard, and looked and saw the Saviour born

Matthew, Mark, Luke and John
Wrote down accounts they planned
But I, a shepherd blessed by God
Held Christ the infant's hand.