Poem December 23, 1985 Issue

Who heard the angels sing?

MAXINE SHORE

Who heard the angels sing?
Only the caring shepherds
Watching and listening
On that quiet hill. ...

(No mention that any in that crowded town,
Travel-weary and concerned with taxes—
And certainly not that prospering innkeeper
Busily trying to accommodate his many guests—
Looked up to see the star-illumined sky
Or were aware of any heavenly songs that night.)

But they—they were awake, and heard.
And having heard, these gentle shepherds
Believed and, trusting, left their flocks
To seek, sheltered in that small manger,
A greater wonder even than that radiant star
And joyous music.

Only they, of all who gathered there in Bethlehem
That night, listened,
Heard,
Believed,
Followed,
And found!

MAXINE SHORE

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