The Christmas Sheep

Tonight they are killing the Christmas sheep.
The woman, shawled, frost-bitten.
shudders in the icy yard, head bowed
hating herself for wanting it so much.
The tender flesh, rich juices,
blood for puddings, bones for broth.

In her men’s expert hands
the beast is helpless, its pleading shrieks
echoing the wild keening of the wind
scalping the waves on the island’s shore.
She flinches at its death cries,
hides the infants in her skirts
until at last silence washes into the barn.

Later, with calloused, bony hands
they will prepare it, mutter prayers,
thanking the good Lord for his bounty.
Tomorrow there will be no salt fish,
no potato parings dipped in buttermilk
eaten before a single smouldering sod.
Instead, rich meat, a few turnips,
a heaped turf fire and a fleeting glimpse
of heaven in their hell.

Christine Griffin

If you have any thoughts on this poem, Christine Griffin would be pleased to hear them.