Holy Night 1914
Voices sing loud, praise God on high.
Hear us in heaven, oh Lord,
For Christmas is nigh.
"Silent night, holy night"
"Stille nacht, heilige nacht"
Both sides mouth this verse of hope,
To span the void that no man holds,
The very same words help both to cope.
"All is calm, all is bright"
"Alles schläft; einsam wacht"
Then into that gap, once filled with dread,
Treads a mass with palms outstretched;
Peace and goodwill fill everyone’s head.
"Round yon virgin mother and child"
"Nur das traute heilige Paar"
In muddy robes they cross that ground;
Amen to the peace this day brings,
Do we really have to turn around?
"Holy infant, so tender and mild"
"Holder knab im lockigten haar"
But other Gods enforce their might,
Three more years to reign supreme,
And peace’s portal is sealed up tight.
"Sleep in heavenly peace"
" Schlafe in himmlischer ruh!"
"Sleep in heavenly peace"
" Schlafe in himmlischer ruh!"
© John Sales 2008.
