There are numerous vocal interpretations
Of “The Little Drummer Boy” to choose
From. There are the traditional iterations
Such as Bing’s and the trend-tastic takes that use
Amplified harmoniums with singers
Dressed in neo-colonial garb sporting
Hipster haircuts. Carols about the bringers
Of gifts to the Christ Child and awe-struck reporting
Shepherds proliferate the late-year
Atmosphere. My favorite phrase belongs
To the Rossetti poem set in the midnight clear
Midwinter–the wind chanting holy songs.
Without a drum to play or gift to impart,
The speaker gives the treasure she has–her heart.
