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The
White Wampum
by
Emily Pauline Johnson
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CHRISTMASTIDE
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I MAY
not go to-night to Bethlehem,
Nor follow star-directed ways, nor tread
The paths wherein the shepherds walked, that led
To Christ, and peace, and God’s good will
to men.
I may not hear the Herald Angels’ song
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Peal
through the oriental skies, nor see
The wonder of that Heavenly company
Announce the King the world had waited long.
The manger throne I may not kneel before,
Or see how man to God is reconciled,
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Through
pure St. Mary’s purer, holier child;
The human Christ these eyes may not adore.
I may not carry frankincense and myrrh
With adoration to the Holy One;
Nor gold have I to give the Perfect Son,
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To be
with those wise kings a worshipper. [Page
63]
Not mine the joy that Heaven sent to them,
For ages since Time swung and locked his gates,
But I may kneel without—the star still waits,
To guide me on to holy Bethlehem. [Page
64]
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