Classic Poem

Dear month that gave us Christ! Ring sweet, ring strong,
O bells of Christmas! Quickened by your chime,
Our eager wishes, like swift birds that climb
Far-reaching heights, soar up to catch the song
The wondering shepherds heard. Will it be long,
Before the sweetness of that strain sublime
Shall set itself to earth?—poor, rugged rhyme
To mate such music!
Shepherd-souls! that throng
Beneath the starry silence, keeping guard,
Tending your patient hopes, like flocks by night,
Have ye not, sometimes, from yon heavenly height,
Caught faintest whispers of that advent-word
Heralding Christ once more, “Peace and good will,
Peace upon earth?” O shepherds, keep watch still.