His Gifts as Though in Bethlehem or Bodh Gaya

Modern poetry modern verse contemporary poetry contemporary verse modern poem contemporary poem

“It will hardly be denied that even in this frail and corrupted world, we sometimes meet persons who, in their very mien and aspect as well as in the whole habit of life, manifest a signature and stamp of virtue, as to make our judgement of them a matter of intuition rather than the result of continued examination.”  ~ Alexander Knox quoted in Southey’s Life of Wesley

He had the signature of Christ along

His forehead and an aura like the light

Of Buddha in his mouth.  He hymned a song.

Though silent it was heard in quiet might

If we were in his presence.  He diffused

Conviction to each soul that had a chest.

His hair on forearms and his wrists confused

Our sins and lack of faith.  He made a nest

For glows and hopes the colors of a crown.

This settled on the heart or, rather, grew

Inside, an angel chrysalis with gown

Of lace-white faith enveloped (manna’s dew).

  He walked with weight within him which we felt

    Beside him.  We accepted and we knelt.