Well, I wasn't sure if I'd manage a Christmas poem or not this year, but the inspiration came today and I went with it. I haven't had time to revise it much, but I hope you enjoy it anyway! Merry Christmas!
Transformation into a Wise Man
I found the eastern star just inside
the front door. It is not the lights on the Christmas tree
nor their reflection in the green and red ornaments
that rest below the hay-like branches,
but it is a different glow from the innocent smile
on my nephew’s face. I remember the story
of wonder, when angels heralded the Christ child
and I imagine my parents with hands of good will
in the middle of the night, unnoticed, forgotten
until now. If I were a wiser shepherd,
then I could be as a child again.
A spirit of kindness shines above me like a miracle.
Who will believe it? If I could follow
these gentle stirring within me, nuzzling me
onwards to a humble beginning,
I would give Him the only things I can keep:
these gold-weight legs that walk towards home
my mouth full of frankincense words,
and my eyes glistening with myrrh.
Look at the lines upon my rough hands.
Make them soft as straw where any child can sleep.
I like this poem, and the ending is wonderful. The title doesn't seem to fit.
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