Holiday Greeting

I heard you say on Christmas Day
“Joy! Peace to one and all!”
And round the tree you danced with glee
Till from your hair did fall

A ribbon of the deepest red –
A Christmas red, we both averred –
And so we plucked it from the snow
And gave it to a passing bird.

“Oh thank you! Thank you!” she replied;
“A garland for my nest,
To say today’s a special day –
One different from the rest.”

Away she flew, the crimson trim
Rippling ’round her feet;
And wove it so that all could see
Her décor from the street.

A very Merry Christmas to
All birds with snowy berth
Whose voices ring in caroling
Of peace to men on Earth!

~ Barbara Vance