Cousin Armadillo

Were you there when the lovely boy was born? Did you waddle toward the manger like a lump through the splendid host, to take your rightful turn? Did they laugh at you behind their lifted paw? Did they clear their throat behind their cloaking wing? Did they stare you down as though they dared refuse to let you spend your moment at the crib? Did you shut your naked ears to what they said: ''Just a turtle-shell around a baby pig!'' Did you lumber on and reach the shining hay where the mother watched the infant at her side and the infant watched the crowding company? Did you notice what pure light the child lay in? How he stirred in your direction - didn't he? And was seen to smile and welcome you as kin?