by Nancy Browne

Created on: August 17, 2008

They Sing Of Joy

It's been a long time
Since I sat in the gymnasium
And watched a school play
My granddaughter
Is a four year old angel
Dressed with wings
Her face sprinkled with glitter

They sing of joy while it is still possible

Hymns that praise the Lord
Songs that add to the season
"Hark the Herald Angels Sing"
"Joy to the World"

Being politically incorrect
This will be their last religious play
They will have to scratch these songs
Off of next year's agenda
The same way they were forced
To remove prayer in the classroom
The same way they were forced
To remove the nativity set
From the front of the school

But for now
My camera clicks
My face filled with a grin

They forget the steps to the ritual
Three or four continue to sing
The rest forget the words

The angels are dancing
Their wands waving fluorescent

Three wise boys carry baby Jesus
They place him carefully
In a cradle of straw
Mary is kneeling
Joseph behind her standing idle

The tune changes
The stage lights dim
A new song
They seem to know the words
To this one by heart
They sing loud, boisterous

"Silent Night, Holy Night"
Echoes through the air
Click, click, click
The need to capture this is real

They sing of joy while it is still possible

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