Page:Main Street and other poems, Kilmer, 1917.djvu/47

MAIN STREET AND OTHER POEMS

GATES AND DOORS (continued) There was a courteous hostler

(He is in Heaven to-night)

He held Our Lady's bridle

And helped her to alight;

He spread clean straw before her

Whereon she might lie down,

And Jesus Christ has given him

An everlasting crown.

Unlock the door this evening

And let your gate swing wide,

Let all who ask for shelter

Come speedily inside.

What if your yard be narrow?

What if your house be small?

There is a Guest is coming

Will glorify it all.

There was a joyous hostler

Who knelt on Christmas morn

Beside the radiant manger

Wherein his Lord was born. [ 41 ]