It was sheer joy of shepherds,
that warmed the country night —
after the song of angels,
dispelled them of their fright.
By starlight led to manger,
to baby tucked in hay —
by sheep and livestock pastures,
they humbly made their way;
to gaze upon a baby,
swaddled in peasant clothes —
who wakened to their voices,
as mother Mary rose;
to greet the welcome strangers,
falling on bended knees —
in worship at their Savior,
whose smile put them at ease.
It was a fitting tribute,
to heir of shepherd boy —
who played the harp in starlight,
for heavens to enjoy;
that King in line of David
did lie in Bethlehem —
to lead His flocks to water,
so faith could restore them.
An award-winning poet and novelist, over 440 of Doug’s poems have found homes in 69 literary journals and 8 anthologies across the US, Canada, Caribbean, England, Wales, Austria, Mauritius, India, Japan and Australia. Doug’s debut novel, The Year of the Bear, was named Ames 2023 Best YA Book of the Year while his second book, I Have Lived, was recently named Best Novella of 2024 at the 21st Annual American Book Fest Awards. He and his wife, twin son poets, cat, pufferfish and hermit crabs reside in Chevy Chase, Maryland, and all but the pets enjoy nature, fishing, tennis, snorkeling and hiking. His Author’s website is at www.douglaslanzo.com.
Academy of the Heart And Mind 