Sing a Song of Christmas

There is a soft sound like a silken melody, So angelic it belies the outside world. An open fire, crackling with heat; Set shadowed forms dancing on the walls; And gave the ballerina on the Christmas tree, A sense of life and a sense of gaiety. A fat cat curled on a velvet rug, Was still purring from a caress a hour ago, As the big clock chimed to the stroke of time, Attune to winds threatening at the door.