Christmas Pastoral

by Debra Lyn Menssen

They slept quietly that night,

Fields of plump white pillows,

Self-satisfied, well fed,

Watched over by bright stars, clear sky,

Good shepherd (also dozing).

Then came the fire, the trumpets,

Beasts scattering and bleating

In a storm wilder than lightning.

Shepherds fleeing, fainting,

Finally kneeling to the light,

To hear the song of angels

Proclaim the new-come King

Who knows no mighty castle,

But instead comes to the stable

To collect His scattered sheep.