Angels in the Architecture

Christmas Poem

We are folded all
In a green fable
And we fare
From early
Plough-and-daffodil sun
Through a revel
Of wind-tossed oats and barley
Past sickle and flail
To harvest home,
The circles of bread and ale
At the long table
It is told, the story-
We and earth and sun and corn are one.

Now kings and shepherds have come,
A wintered hovel
Hides a glory
Whiter than snowflake or silver or star.

George Mackay Brown