December drabbles - 24

The donkey’s hooves kick gravel on the road. Camels and kings pad softly over sand. Sheep munch the ragged cold-dried grass. Cows low. And shepherds wait. The pregnant woman feels the start of pains. Father, afraid; “I’m sure we’ll find a place.”

“No room. No room.” The crowded streets.
“No room.” The jam-packed stores.
Bright lights. Bright singing voices. Years gone by.

Shopkeeper hangs his apron, soldier his gun. Sailors brings their ship to port. Teacher opens a page. The preacher’s words sagely report what angels sing, “No room.”

So gathered round the tree and stable now, we welcome Him.

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