The Christmas Stag

I am the stag of seven tines The yule stag a roebuck in the thicket I am the ever hunted messenger of life 5 days during the years end I run 5 days the fey door stands open 5 days pursued by grim death and his hounds Hard upon my heels Hasten ready the sun calls Quicken, race, a son is born Bringing the yuletide season great cheer With bells on my antlers, they ring Flying on Windsong delighting the little king Flying cross the sunrise Past a winter sea, I sail Seeing the ship to see his nativity Far behind us weep the willows still Bent with ice as frozen tear, And branches frail. Passed the cottage bright with candle Yellow flame against the night, nearby in a manger lovely mother Jesus cradling Joyful tears hitting ground Prayers answered in holy child Angel guard against pale moonlight Closer to the little king I stumble and bow my head to Mary's little baby, Death stops, hounds halt their baying All is quiet, grim death himself bows and turns. I bow again to the lord of all life Precious king of all peace and light Crowned by a star, gold, frankincense, and myrrh, All this moonlit night.