! A Silent Night, And Stars

Oh yes he said, there was a birth, you ask me how I’m sure remember shepherds train themselves to see the slightest things on dark nights, on starlit nights when it’s windy, when it’s still, when snow makes strange lights, strange shapes, strange shadows – under the shadow of that low stone wall, there’s a darker shadow… does it move? yes, it’s a great job, out there on a starlit light, a great bowl of stars, nothing to do except be alert the whole time; so you never miss the unexpected; so peaceful, there’s already love for everything around you. Best job in the world. so you can’t miss anything out of the ordinary; what’s not so easy is to explain to others… but it’s all here in my heart; my children know it’s true.. but it’s funny how you remember the small things on a special day. The straw. When it’s clean, it’s always gold of course and shiny. But I’d never seen straw shine like that. And the cow’s eyes. You know how cattle look at you as if they’re interested, but not very interested? That one was different. It seemed to know just why it was a cow.. And then of course the other guys. You don’t come so far, so precise unless you’re very wise. Far things and near things. We each have our special skills, he said; in the high things and the humble, love. It’s here, and there.