The Vigil

Upon the hill, on guard, alone
The griffin crouches on a stone.
He keeps his vigil, nights and days
And not a thing escapes his gaze.

I climb on up to see his glories,
Bring him treats, and tell him stories.
He is polite, accepts my praise,
But keeps his watch, on guard, he stays.

At night you look up and can see
His glowing eyes that ceaselessly
Go back and forth across our town
In search of things that call him down.

No thief dares skulk among our homes
For endlessly the griffin roams
And checks our doors and barns and locks
Then goes back to his couch of rocks.

We feast, or revel, he looks on
And guards until all guests are gone.
We eat and dance in peace and laughter
And he stands guard, stands by, looks after.

No robbers threaten us, for he
Patrols our fields endlessly.
He finds lost children, calms their weeping
And leads them home, and guards them sleeping.

Because of him, we fear no foe.
He’s with us when we come, or go.
He watches us, keeps all secure.
Patient, fearless, calm and sure.

He will not end the mystery
Of whence he came, his history.
Or why he guards our every season
He asks no fee, nor gives a reason.

Outside his bounds, there’s death and pains,
But we rest well while he remains.
How could our placid lives go on
If one day our brave guard was gone?

The gift of safety, watch outside,
Is his to us this Christmastide.
With thanks, we have, with introspection
Someone selfless’s protection.