the Shakespearean sonnet (three quatrains rhyming abab, cdcd, efef, and a final couplet: gg).

O hallo-wed day, thine glory is here, 
Flights of angels rise, sing thee to thy rest, 
Shepherds, still thyselves, thee have naught to fear, 
Love from the new star will fill up they breast. 

The day be foretold, a fulfilment nigh, 
When the day has broke, a new age will dawn, 
Celestial eyes, they watch, standing by, 
Lest the dark forces approach with swords drawn. 

Evil cringes now, the babe Prince of Peace, 
Soundly sleeping here, come to vanquish all, 
Power incarnate, wearing naught but some fleece, 
Yet bearing this might, here before the Fall. 

Bringing a promise, salvation to man, 
A fulfillment, his Father's great plan. 


Eric Funk
26 Dec 2006