Have mercy on them all

As Christmas draws ever near
Like manna falls the snow
Cold and hungry people
Have no place to go
In deserts low on mountains high
Down lonesome city roads
No room for them inside the Inn
Outside a chill-wind blows

No angels on Christmas trees
No trimmings on the wall
In their makeshift shelters
Can’t you hear their call?
As desert wars and mountain slides
Add to their gruesome toll
Abba, Father, Allah, Lord
Have mercy on them all!

A father’s son newly born
The future in his eyes
Lies there in a manger
While his mother cries
On desert winds and mountain storms
His destiny will ride
Make room for him inside the Inn
And help him live thereby.

Rowland
Christmas 2019