Lawrence Hall, HSG
Mhall46184@aol.com

                                   In the Stable on Christmas Eve

                                            For Tod and Max

My friend prays at the Stable each Christmas Eve
In statio at St. Michael’s, waiting for the Light
(But indolent half-pagan that I am
I want an early bed on any night)

This year the Stable must be a room at home
A candle, a creche, a plastic ox and lamb
A very real dog who might speak at midnight
And coffee and quiet remembrances with Max

Wherever we must wait for Jesus to be born
There is the Stable, and then the happiest morn