After the Shepherds Left

“It was a long journey and cold,” said the Donkey,

        stamping his feet.

“The man led the way, I walked, and she rode,

        all on a winter’s day.”

The Ox looked down on the man and the maid and the little babe

        all asleep on the hay,

        and said in awe and wonder,

“They’re very tiny when they are newborn.”

“Yes,” said the Donkey, “but consider this,

“It takes years of love and nurture

        to bring each of them to full maturity.”

“I know,” said the sentimental Ox,

looking down at the babe in the manger

        and shaking his head all on a Christmas day.

“Don’t be deceived by what you see,” said the Donkey,

“This one will conquer death and hell,

        and overthrow all the kingdoms of the earth

        and the sky.”