Ox and ass at Bethlehem
On a night, ye know of them.
We were only creatures small,
Hid by shadows on the wall.
We were swallow, moth and mouse;
The Child was born in our house,
And the bright eyes of us three
Peeped at His nativity.
Hands of peace upon that place
Hushed our beings for a space.
Quiet feet and folded wing,
Nor a sound of anything.
With a moving star we crept
Closer when the baby slept;
Men who guarded where He lay
Moved to frighten us away.
But the Babe, awakened, laid
Love on things that were afraid;
With so sweet a gesture He
Called us to His company.