O is for ‘Once in Royal…’ , arresting, eternal

Those first 3 notes drop into the chapel

Unaccompanied, simple 

Urging stop

Listen,

Take a moment

In the middle of the Christmas frenzy.

I have sung them, watched them, listened to them , 

In chapels, cathedrals, car radios, on the television,

And once from a tiny battery radio perched in a tree

Seeking the best reception 

On a hot Christmas Eve in the South African veldt, 

The boy treble ringing out, stilling other noises.

“Once in Royal…”

Arresting

Eternal.