BY LAWRENCE “MACK” HALL

For Tod and Max

I allowed the time, the year, the day to slip

And so I can only imagine a card for you

A Russian Christmas card in paper and paints

Of Christmas scenes from a happy golden time:

And let there be small children in furry boots

Dragging a little fir tree over the snow

Among artistically disposed squirrels and deer

To the delight of Father Christmas and the sweet Snow Queen

And let there be Saint Michael’s at the end of the lane

Its ancient bell ringing the ancient joys

While ancient stars and humble cottage windows

Give light to the faithful on their way to Mass

And let us be among them, as God will allow

Before the Theotokos and Child, kneeling now

Happy Orthodox Christmas, dear friends!