These demands stab at what little hope we have
left buried in the soil of our prayers Pay now
go there stop that
Bow down die
How like we are to the soon
exhausted oil left
sputtering in the darkness
Them
forcing us to register
away from here when all will be ignored before any
return is finished step madly into the water and drown
who will even notice
Look
they have come back
Some dark cloud seemed to cover her as
they came to each of us that
morning
When they left for his forced reckoning
I
doubted
their place would wait that
journey’s close
Nevertheless we left it locked
against intrusion
Something between them seemed so
trusting and
so calm that they gave us just
enough morsels
to sustain us
But now
she is holding a child and he is holding her hand
and the guiding cord for the mule
a child
I am going to the road
and so are the others to see
what is pulling us into their path what
yes oh
yes she is looking at each of us
and he too is holding
us with a gaze so fierce as to
begin us humming
just to find our breath
yes oh yes
a child is here
to
tell us
why the light must flare
-- Luke
This Christmas poem is a reflection of those who hope against hope. But the savior has come taking the breath away. Still, we do not recognize.
ReplyDeleteI love the poem, Joseph. Powerful, peaceful, hope against hope. What a Christmas present. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteGod bless you on your poetic journey as you write to free all our thoughts and help to enlighten our minds!
ReplyDeleteAs Light slowly begins to return to the world in the coming days,
ReplyDeletethank you for reminding me of the Light that fills my being.
Keep your poetry and friendship going. It is fantastic and a great boost for all in this tough time. Come for R and R. Joe
ReplyDeleteDamhorst
Brother Joseph, thank you for sharing a timely and much needed message of "Hope". You have spoken at a time when the Divine Light is burning so lowly all around us. In my case I am not so much struggling to ward off hopelessness in this present day struggle between good and evil.For I and many Catholics like me,are in a historic struggling to keep our faith in a Church whose disciples have "sinned against" the Child that is here. Through Truth and Reconciliation His present day disciples must carry His Flare among men as He directed it be carried at the beginning. Until then, God's children who have survived on Hope, we must struggle to "Keep Hope alive", until his flare shines again.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this gift!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing the ‘being’ inside your humanity, Joseph. You are love’s manifestation, fierce and true!
ReplyDeleteThank you for this one, Joseph. Have a blessed Christmas. Hope to see you in the new year.
ReplyDeleteHad never thought about their return home. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteThe return of the Divine Feminine is indeed what this time is finally coming ready to see...as only she can balance the wreckage the patriarchy was wrought. Yet, it is to recognize that the patriarchy is the shadow of the Positive Masculine; that which husbands, protects, honors and preserves vs. that which has subjugated, dominated, controlled, warred against 'the better angels of our nature'... Indeed, we welcome the Christ to restore the imbalance. This Christchild is a flame worth givng one's allegiance to. Thank you as always, Joseph for your eloquent crafting. God bless and keep your flame burning.
ReplyDeleteA great poem to receive as gift on the feast of the Holy Family. Permit me to sit with it for a year or so to explore its corners and plumb its depths.
ReplyDeleteA thoughtful and provocative poem that requires reflection.A light shining in the darkness. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteSo consoling, this poem. My advent reflections led me to the Mary who Joseph has described here. Thank you for this gift.
ReplyDeleteThe poem make you hold your breathe in anticipation.
ReplyDelete