The Tattered Drum

The Angel brought the shepherd boy 
to see the new born King
He gazed upon the sleeping Child 
and a heavenly host did sing

"Peace on Earth, good will towards men"
the angels sang on high
He watched as Wise Men praised the Babe
and laid gifts by His side

He stood far in the background
letting others go before
He thought that he was worthy not
to greet the Child, our Lord

The only things this poor boy owned
were the clothes upon his back
And one small tattered worn out drum
worldly riches he did lack

But he owned a heart of selfless love
and a kindness for man and beast
And the wealth that radiated from within
none finer could you meet

As Mary held her Baby Boy 
she saw the tattered child
She beckoned for him to come to her 
He looked at her and smiled

He begged for her forgiveness
for not having a gift for the Babe
Then Mary smiled and nodded to him
and he knew that he should play

As the small boy played the tattered drum
a warmth it filled the air
The Lord knew he played out of love
and his pure heart he did bare

The music that came from the drum
so tattered and so worn
Was a sweet and perfect lullaby
for Christ the night He was born

The Child, He smiled while in His sleep
as He lay in His mothers arms
And the manger was lit like a palace
and not a cold dark barn

And this is how we all should come
before our Lord and King
Not with gold or riches
but a pure heart we must bring

Just like the lad, the shepherd boy
God will know our heart
And He will smile and welcome all
and from us never part
Copyright © December 2000 Island Princess....All Rights Reserved

"Written for and inspired by my dear friend Sharon...with love"