Silent Night

“Silent Night” sung in the small Catholic Church near Mumbai.

The immediate neighbors could hear its modest organ.

Most could recall the music from prior years,

and took no offense at the Jesus celebration.

The mission had settled here years ago;

Quiet people who made no bother.

Of the thirty people gathered in the church

Seven were part of the choir.

Their voices could not be heard

Beyond the stone walls,

Nor could the congregants hear the solders coming.

Most local residents had candlelight only,

And went to bed at nightfall.

They probably did not hear the muffled sounds

of the dozen men carefully approaching the church.

The choir had not quite finished singing Silent Night

When the door was smashed in and the shooting started.