‘The Falcon Carol’ by James Harpur

Not long now: Alex and Evie Doolan from Killarney, inside the newly restored Killarney House and Gardens, which were formally opened to the public this year, in Killarney National Park. Photograph: Valerie O’Sullivan

The falcon flew from dark to dark

Drew silver from the Northern Star

And headed for the crinkled hills,

The rivers, lakes and waterfalls

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To find the source of light on earth

The source of light on earth.

And as three weary pilgrim kings

Looked up and saw his glittering wings

The falcon saw a darkened town

A stable glowing like a crown

And knew that he had found the truth

That he had found the truth.

The falcon hovered like a star

His wings spun out a spirit fire

That drew the kings inside the shed:

The child asleep in his straw bed

Was dreaming of a silver bird

Was dreaming of a bird.

His task now done, the falcon rose

A spark ablaze with joyful news;

He lit the stars, he lit the moon

Then vanished in the arc of sun

That dawned beyond the Southern Cross

Beyond the Southern Cross.