Poems (Kimball)/"Gloria in Excelsis"

by Harriet McEwen Kimball

"GLORIA IN EXCELSIS."

GLORIA in Excelsis!
 Ring the children's voices;
Full of happy wonder
 Heart with heart rejoices;
For he Christ-Child comes to-day
With the babes of earth to play;
 Comes, the Son of Mary.

Gloria in Excelsis!
 Murmur tearful voices;
Yea, despite its sorrow
 Yet the earth rejoices;
For the Christ-Child's holy face
Sweetest shines in saddest place
 Gracious Son of Mary!

Gloria in Excelsis!
 Chime the thankful voices;
Once a year the poor man
 At his hearth rejoices;
For the Christ-Child comes to throw
Round that hearth a tender glow;
 Lowly Son of Mary!

Gloria in Excelsis!
 Chant adoring voices;
Round the sacred Altar
 Heaven with earth rejoices;
Men and angels carolling
Crown the Christ-Child Lord and King;
 Crown the Son of Mary.

Gloria in Excelsis!
 Who but hears the voices!
Swayed by mirth so holy
 All that lives rejoices.
Fast indeed the door must be
That will open not to Thee,
 Jesus, Son of Mary!