"If someone said on Christmas Eve . . ."

Hugo and I have just finished packing our bags for the long trip to South America. But before we leave, I wanted to share my favorite Christmas poem with you. I never tire of reciting it, and it unfailingly warms my heart. Best wishes for a blessed and serene holiday season.

Love and Peace,
Cathy

The Oxen

by Thomas Hardy

Christmas Eve, and twelve of the clock. 
   'Now they are all on their knees,'
An elder said as we sat in a flock
   By the embers in hearthside ease.

We pictured the meek mild creatures where
   They dwelt in their strawy pen,
Nor did it occur to one of us there
   To doubt they were kneeling then.

So fair a fancy few would weave
   In these years! Yet, I feel,
If someone said on Christmas Eve,
   'Come; see the oxen kneel

'In the lonely barton by yonder coomb
   Our childhood used to know,'
I should go with him in the gloom,
   Hoping it might be so.