Christmas Snow
softly falling,
a curtain light
around still spires
in peaceful night
(He comes)
slipping past,
small or unseen,
to rest on straws
or hide between
(He comes, He comes)
splendored mite
in white disguise
with captured fires
from open skies
(He comes, He comes, He comes)
Gift
Love set his sun
So kindly far
That only wise
"Have seen His star."
Time's children filled
Wide, quiet skies
From one star caught
In open eyes.
Life waits with gifts--
A seeking one
Finds tiny stars
That are a Sun.
Meditation in a Cave
Almost beyond man's view are fiery spheres
Defying calculation, splashing, spun
Against an empty dark to poise for one
Exploding second wise men label years.
Beneath expanding vision's reach appears
A plasm street where urgent cities run
On tiptoe, not distracting eyes that shun
Such trifles for the flash that burns and blears.
Yet heedless, carnival and sky-crossed light
Announce pale wonders into silent skies
And hypnotize star-searching, weary sight
That dares to lift unguarded, listless eyes.
Yet could a down-cast gaze rend dazzled night
To shear the shadows from a Child's disguise?
Epiphany
Gold,
Frankincense,
And myrrh they bring
To newborn-child--
Priest,
Prophet,
King...
Do they with awful wisdom see
His three-tiered crown,
His dignity,
The death He deigns to live in them
Invisibly?
Christmas Light
"Gloria"
broke over the hillsides
when constant angel voices
no more could be confined.
"Glory to God"
covered the hillsides
where shepherds' daily watch
gave eyes to teach the blind.
"Glory"
lighted the hillsides
as a helpless Child
flamed a Sun beyond mankind.
Lord, that I may hear.
Lord, that I may see.
Lord, that I may find.