In the bleak midwinter, frosty wind made moan,
Earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone.
Snow had fallen, snow on snow, snow on snow,
In the bleak midwinter, long ago.
Darkness cannot hold you, nor your sorrows keep,
All the earth awakens from this winter’s sleep.
In the bleak midwinter a stable place shall be,
Filled with home and harvest, blessed family.
Lovers, friends and dreamers, we are gathered here,
Candles on this darkest night of the year.
Still our Mother only, in her earthly bliss,
Holds her dear beloved, softly with a kiss.
What then shall I give her, poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb;
and if I were a wise one, I would do my part,
yet what I can I’ll give her, I will give my heart.
credits
from Midwinter Moon,
released November 2, 2010
Original Text: Christina G. Rossetti, 1830-1894
Revised Text 2006; Craig Olson
Music: Gustav Holst, 1874-1934