The Sleeping King

A Christmas Poem

O gentle hush lest quiet wake
The sleeping babe in mother’s arms.
O soul be silent for his sake,
As wraps around him tightly warm.

The cows bend low and lie their heads;
Their horns to rest upon his feet.
With sheep to nuzzle near the bed,
Encompassing his arms in pleat.

Lo shepherds why your haste tonight?
Know not a king is born in here?
So hush your hearts and snuff your light;
The star provides enough to peer.

So peaceful here that one must ask:
Where his trumpets sound resounding?
The LORD of LORDs has come to bask
In mortal flesh residing.

Then camels romp and on them seat
Three men in gold and scarlet dress
Bend low like hounds at masters feet,
Each to give a gift and bless.

Will not his life be full of strife
And haunting fears in silence creep?
His end to take and bear the knife
Will be the next time her will sleep.

So quietly, so silently,
Rests the babe the son of Mary.