STAR OF BETHLEHEM

There is a snow-covered billboard
gaudily announcing some outdoor nativity pageant
at this, the rawest time of the year.

Nearby, a flock of sparrows chase off a crow.

I am reminded, as always, of all this daily vulnerability
in spite of the fact we usually come through it –
though somewhat scarred, nonplussed,
broken in a few places.

And this is why we lift the mug of rum and eggnog
a rich, nutmeg-flavoured salute
to steady us for that cold, inevitable reality

of a winter birth.

© Daniel Boland