A Visit from the King
‘Twas days before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a lass or lad present, just me and my spouse
The stockings were stored in the closet with care
In our dreams, we both fancied the mantle not bare
The children were snuggled in other-town beds
While covered in blankets of greens and of reds
And mamma far from them needing no cap
Had not much to do and much less to wrap
When outside and in, all stayed quiet, no clatter
I awoke from my sleep craving juvenile chatter
Away to the kitchen I flew without flash
Tore open a tea bag, then wiped a wet lash
The sun in its newness, taunting each flake of snow
Gave a glimmer and shimmer of morning hello
When what to my wandering thoughts should appear
But a sparkle of hope and a glinting of cheer
With an impromptu prayer, so bold and so quick
I felt with humility what would do the trick
More vital than victuals, my pleadings they came
And they sang, and exalted, and kept me from shame
Now, SADNESS! now, ENVY! now, ENNUI and VIXON!
On, GLOOM! on, DOOM! on, PITY, and THE PITS YOU’RE IN!
To the top of His throne, escape over the wall
Now dash away! dash away! Lord, hear my call!
As dry souls that before their last longings do fly
When extolling the Savior with hands held high
So up to the heavens my praises they flew
With a heart brimming with grace and gratitude true
And then, with flush heart, I did raise the roof
The dancing and chanting evincing the proof
As I drew in my breath, joy encircled around
Down from noggin to sole Benevolence crowned
He was dressed all in glory, from His head to His foot
And His presence had rendered melancholy caput
A bundle of blessings He wove on my back
And He proffered such goodness I couldn’t keep track
His eyes – how they beckoned! He endued me with merry!
His cast shone a splendor beyond ordinary
His diadem bled grandeur, a mulberry silk bow
And the robe vested regally, swaddling aglow
The light of His holiness frosted my teeth
And His halo it beamed like a luminous wreath
He had kindness that warmed the chill in my belly
That shook and released my frame-of-mind melee
He was loving and just, a Messiah God Elf
And I thanked Him for giving the whole of Himself
A spear in his side and thorns on his head
Soon gave me reminder the King is not dead
He spoke of goodwill, I went straight to His work
And filled all my thoughts with His blessings and perks
And laying sorrow aside, inhaled deeply my nose
And giving a vow said goodbye to the lows
He sprang to my rescue, I launched into a whistle
And away flew the blues like the hymns in a missal
But I heard Him exclaim, ere He rose from my sight
Happy Christmas, dear daughter, may Yuletide be bright!