On linen and straw
lay a birth and a death.
God hedged by flesh
shepherds, magi.
∞
It pleases us to imagine
God just born, vulnerable
delivery’s slick dross clings
the ache of mortality.
∞
It’s comfortable: God
on bovine-scented straw
held in woman’s arms
and a lowly one at that.
∞
It’s Christmas: a keening deity
swaddled. Bound
by a choice to come
die. One day. A black Friday.
∞
Not Black Friday savings
markdowns, slashed prices.
But marked, slashed, battered
He saved us.
∞
It’s God:
carrying His death and ours
to a far-off hill, an infinite burden.
A mustard seed must die
For a tree to thrive.
Centuries’ old tradition
…finished.
∞
In linen and blood
hangs a birth and a death
God hedged by flesh
Crucified.
KL Griffiths 
This is Beautiful, Kelly. May I share it?
Absolutely. It blesses me that you would. 🙂
Beautiful
Wow! Yes, that is our God. Love this, Kelly!
That’s a proper Christmas one indeed!
Wow, that’s a powerful poem! Love it!
It’s my fave too…probably on account of the subject! 😉
Reblogged this on Kelly Griffiths.
Kelly, The depth of meaning in your poem really touches my heart. God has blessed me through your gift of words. Thank you for sharing and may the joy of Christmas fill your family to overflowing.
The anonymous comments were from me!!
Your kind words mean a lot to me. I like that we can connect this way, if not in person!