Patrick Kavanagh's Advent

The first verse of Patrick Kavanagh's poem Advent deserves mention in the run-up to Christmas.

We have tested and tasted too much lover  - 
Through a chink too wide there comes in no wonder.
But here in the Advent-darkened room
Where the dry black bread and the sugarless tea
Of penance will charm back the luxury
Of a child's soul,we'll return to Doom
The knowledge we stole but could not use.