The Donkey’s Story
written by: Ada A. Ohnezeit
The sun’s last rays touched vale and hill,
And all was quiet, cold, and still.
We gathered by the stable door,
The kine, the oxen, sheep galore
A few fat geese, yes, two or three,
And just one lowly donkey, me.
We all longed for the evening’s rest
In just the nook that each knew best
Why did we hesitate in fear,
And shivering, still linger here?
Dark shadows of the night begin
But we know people are within.
So, shall we enter? Will they mind?
For humans are not always kind.
Soft cries of pain disturb the night
A high, sharp cry, low lantern light.
Ceased then the sounds of her travail.
Instead, a tiny infant’s wail.
For one brief moment of all time
The earth stood still, one heavenly chime
Pierced all the universe, and night
Receded, with the heavens alight.
Sweet harmonies swept all the skies
And there, before our lifted eyes…
Celestial beings, rushing wings
A voice, proclaiming wondrous things!
Such sights, such sounds…
E’en such as we
Knew miracles
Had come to be.
With great resolve, I led the way
Through flickering light and fragrant hay.
Outside rose voices fearful, wild….
Within, tranquility,…the Child.
I reached the manger first, and crept
Up to the very edge. He slept.
The mother smiled, though frail and weak,
Reached tender hand and touched His cheek.
Who would have thought, when yesterday
I munched upon a wisp of hay
From that same manger, He would be
Asleep there now for me to see.
The shepherds come, by twos and threes
Some instinct sends them to their knees
Yet through the dimness of that night
The manger seems to glow with light.
Though still that song of glory rise
In aching joy from brightening skies
Within my heart an echoed strain
Of faint “Hosannas” brings me pain.
Sweet rest, dear Babe in manger bed,
The path is long that you must tread.
Somehow, I know that one like me
Will ride you toward your destiny.
- The Donkey’s Story - April 28, 2025
