O little town of Baltimore, I cannot tell a lie
Above thy brief and restless sleep, Webb telescope does fly.
And in thy dark streets shineth the sign of Domino.
Look: M & T, and Royal Farms, and winking Natty Boh.
For Christ is born of Mary, and gathered in this place
Are movers, shakers, teachers, bakers all to see his face.
Banner and Sun together proclaim what we believe:
The babe is born and Ravens win, and both on Christmas eve!
O little town of Baltimore, your charms belie the news:
Harbor, Hopkins, Morgan State and lady sings the blues.
In Hampden street, a miracle, with lights and Hons to spare,
There’s Charmery, and Mayor’s parade, and nude workmen “calendare.”
How noisily, how noisily we yell when our teams show!
So God imparts to human hearts the anthem which says “O.”
Each one can feel his coming, the God explained in flesh,
From Harlem Park to Roland Park is grace made manifest.
O Holy child of Baltimore, reveal yourself each day,
In folks who help and heal and hold, in people who still say,
“We hear the Christmas angels in people reconciled,
Through clerks and cops and squeegee kids and every mother mild.”
For God has pitched his tent in us, proclaims the morning star,
Engage, embrace, inspire all those who come from near and far.
Which leads us now to Bethlehem, to see this holy birth,
Then Baltimore can be the start of peace to all on earth.
Love,
David