Seasonal Poetry & Prose: 'Mistletoe', by John Bannister Tabb

'To the cradle-bough of a naked tree, Benumbed with ice and snow, A Christmas dream brought suddenly A birth of mistletoe. The shepherd stars from their fleecy cloud Strode out on the night to see; The Herod north-wind blustered loud To rend it from the tree. But the old year took it for a sign, And blessed it in his heart: 'With prophecy of peace divine, Let now my soul depart.'

Mistletoe By John Bannister Tabb Artist Lynn Bywaters