A few red leaves still clung to branches of the tree at the outdoor cafe, but most had already fallen and lay at my feet in clusters of gold and brown.  I'd come to the quiet retreat of the coffee shop to perform an experiment.  For a few weeks I'd been singing Christmas carols.  Since a child, I've memorized Christmas carols, picking them out on the piano, transfixed by the old language, not minding the "thees and thines," the "ye's and thou's."  That day I'd brought my hardback hymnal with me to the cafe.  As I'd been singing, I realized there were certain phrases that captivated me with their beauty.  I wanted to write them down--like stringing language pearls. 

I write the lines here as I collected them:

Light and life to all He brings

Come adore on bended knee

And stay by my side until morning is nigh

The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight

Cheribim and seraphim thronged the air

And ever o'er its Babel sounds the blessed angels sing

He rules the world with truth and grace

O come let us adore Him

Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by

Let loving hearts enthrone Him

To seek for a king was their intent

All humbly wrapped in swathing bands

Silent night, holy night, wondrous star lend thy light

Alleluia sounds through the earth and skies

Come and see from all that grieves you; you are freed

God with us is now residing

Gloria in excelsis Deo

Hail the heaven born prince of peace

Born to give us second birth

Glory to the newborn king

Hark! The herald angels sing

Come, thou long-expected Jesus

Now thy gracious kingdom bring

Joy of every longing heart

An hour passed, and I could have gone on writing, but daylight would soon be gone.  All the other patrons of the cafe had packed up their laptops, pulled earbuds from their ears and headed home.  I was alone.  Before I left I picked up my phrase collection and began to read the words under my breath, whispers blending with the sound of scattering leaves.  I began to weep.  The language, this eclectic Christmas poem, released the awareness of His presence, the joy of my longing heart.