night silence

whispers in the dark of rustling grasses teased by a breeze

scampering feet of rodent seeking food or fleeing

from owl whooshing on nearly silent wing

shepherd adding a small log to a low, crackling fire

as his sons and brothers gently snore and lambs

bleat-whimper to their mothers and grown sheep

harrumph and resettle in their sleep

and then a stillness

a quiet so deep, it speaks of terror of something unknown

unnatural with dread

silence, dead silence that demands alertness to the change

before awareness of distant hum as though of far-off voices

singing, only slowly recognized as praise

and then good news

such good, good news that many could, would not believe

                                                                                mjNordgren  12/14/2025