Although it is spring, the temperatures dropped down into the 20’s overnight and it feels like winter so I’m including a winter poem today. It comes from my favorite chapter of The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame. I love The Wind in the Willows so much and the chapter, Dulce Domum, is one of my favorite chapters in any book I’ve ever read. I re-read it at least once a year, sometimes more often. It is comfort reading for the soul.
The time is Christmas Eve and Rat and Mole have just found Mole’s little home when mice carolers come to the door. Here is their song:
CAROL
Villagers all, this frosty tide,
Let your doors swing open wide,
Though wind may follow, and snow beside,
Yet draw us in by your fire to bide;
Joy shall be yours in the morning!
Here we stand in the cold and the sleet,
Blowing fingers and stamping feet,
Come from far away you to greet–
You by the fire and we in the street–
Bidding you joy in the morning!
For ere one half of the night was gone,
Sudden a star has led us on,
Raining bliss and benison–
Bliss to-morrow and more anon,
Joy for every morning!
Goodman Joseph toiled through the snow–
Saw the star o’er a stable low;
Mary she might not further go–
Welcome thatch, and litter below!
Joy was hers in the morning!
And then they heard the angels tell
‘Who were the first to cry NOWELL?
Animals all, as it befell,
In the stable where they did dwell!
Joy shall be theirs in the morning!’
Our lives were dark with sin and sorrow until Jesus, the light of the world, came at Christmas. Now joy does come in the morning because of Christ. Whenever you want to be cheered and remember how wonderful home is, read the chapter, Dulce Domum.
Myriads of Thoughts 