six green singers stood at my door

[incandescens]

I've almost finished the quilt that I'm giving my aunt (who does not read this lj, as far as I know) for Christmas. One more thing down. Next up: some earrings and memory wire bracelets to take into work with me.

I've also been writing a pile of cards for people at work. Amazing how many there are. And rather nice, really.

watched a bit of Masterchef Australia while working on the quilt this evening. It was rather fun, and less viciously competitive than some of the other cooking shows of this nature. I may well have it on as background television again.

---

Six Green Singers

The frost of the moon fell over my floor
And six green singers stood at my door.

"What do ye here that music make?"
"Let us come in for Christ's sweet Sake."

"Long have ye journeyed in coming here?"
"Our Pilgrimage was the length of the year."

"Where do ye make for?" I asked of them.
"Our Shrine is a Stable in Bethlehem."

"What will ye do as ye go along?"
"Sing to the world an ever-green song."

"What will ye sing for the listening earth?"
"One will sing of a brave-souled Mirth,

"One of the Holiest Mystery,
The Glory of glories shall one song be,

"One of the Memory of things,
One of the Child's imaginings,

"One of our songs is the fadeless Faith,
And all are the Life more mighty than death."

"Ere ye be gone that music make,
Give me an alms for Christ's sweet Sake."

"Six green branches we leave with you;
See they be scattered your house-place through.

"The staunch blithe Holly your board shall grace,
Mistletoe bless your chimney place,

"Laurel to crown your lighted hail,
Over your bed let the Yew-bough fall,

"Close by the cradle the Christmas Fir,
For elfin dreams in its branches stir,

"Last and loveliest, high and low,
From ceil to floor let the Ivy go."

From each glad guest I received my gift
And then the latch of my door did lift --

"Green singers, God prosper the song ye make
As ye sing to the world for Christ's sweet Sake."

-- Eleanor Farjeon

Comments

[archangelbeth]

*orders, gasp, holiday cards and hopes they will be in time to mail to people*

[incandescens]

Whenever they get here, they will be appreciated!

[petronia.livejournal.com]

It had never occurred to me before this day or two spent in Oxford that when yr English litrachoor talks about green growing things at Christmas, it actually means GREEN GROWING THINGS AT CHRISTMAS.

[incandescens]

Well, only occasionally. I think it's fair to say that 95% of the time it's still just metaphorical.

(I ran across the poem while poking around for Christmas poetry, and thought it was unusual enough to post. Glad it amused!)

[amethyst-hunter.livejournal.com]

There is a reason I do not let my relatives know I have an LJ. ;)

(Same reason why I still resist the tyranny of Facebollock. LOL, who needs that stress?)

I *love* holiday cards. I actually have so many (gotten from thrift stores and after-holiday sales) that I'm looking to give away some just to have more space in the drawer. Want one? :)

[incandescens]

Only if you have it spare and the postage won't inconvenience you. ;) Or you could give the money to charity. I'd be quite happy with that. Either way, merry Christmas!

[amethyst-hunter.livejournal.com]

I'm sitting here in what is at least 12 jumbo plastic tubs' worth of Christmas paraphernalia, including cards. Postage is not a problem. :D If you'd like one, just PM me where to send it, or you can pick your favorite charity, if you have a particular one in mind. :) Last year at about this time I'd just had 6 teeth yanked out and was facing an ER trip for a cat bite, so this year I'm gonna actually *celebrate*, lol.

(You should see all the tinsel and lights I have...those are my two biggest things, and I'm a total junkie for anything shiny. 90% of my decor I scored during after-holiday sales when they mark it down ridiculously. Same way I got most of my Halloween stuff. :D )

[incandescens]

Aww. Well, in that case - please could you donate to Oxfam, if there is a convenient local Oxfam?

I'm very glad to hear that things are looking better than last year. Happy celebrations!