Woken from a deep and dreaming sleep

I doubted both words and song, mistrustful of the silent

night’s wondrous claim: how the rising sun would shine,

how these wars and rumors of wars would candle-bloom to peace.

 

Hopes and fears do not, unguided, find the path of peace

while in light-springing homes loved ones sleep in stilly silence.

Shadows are histories deep; death too fleet to be stopped by sunshine.

 

But in you, o little heart, though you are small, your treasure shines

with tender words sowing trust in everlasting peace,

in hosts of morning stars whose glory-song will break the silence

 

with an inrush of joy: shining peace on untold fields of silent nights.

 

My attempt at the tritina form, with inspiration from “O Little Town of Bethlehem,” Zechariah’s song and Jesus’ birth from Luke 1 & 2, and the Micah 5 prophecy.