This is a favourite poem by Thomas Hardy, published the 24th. December 1915.
Christmas Eve, and twelve of the clock.
"Now they are all on their knees,"
An elder said as we sat in a flock
By the embers in hearthside ease.
We pictured the meek mild creatures where
They dwelt in their strawy pen.
Nor did it occur to one of us there
To doubt they were kneeling then.
So fair a fancy few believe
In these years! Yet, I feel,
If someone said on Christmas Eve
"Come; see the oxen kneel,
In the lonely barton by yonder combe
Our childhood used to know,"
I should go with him in the gloom,
Hoping it might be so.
My best wishes to all at Christmas, and may we all be granted health, peace and prosperity in 2011.
In particular may the abomination of war and the barbarism of terrorism be banished for ever from this good earth.
1 comment:
I hope you had a good Christmas too!
Anna :o]
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