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 
So powerful! You write with such excellence. I love all your posts, but I love this one best!
Thank you, Peggy. Best subject, is all. 😉
This was beautiful Kelly. Thank you so much for posting this. It has blessed my heart.
And YOU bless mine. Today and so often. Thank you for being encouraging you.
Beautiful Kelly! Your writing is thought provoking and inspiring. You have inspired me to do a haiku which I have neglected recently 😉 Blessed Christmas and New year to you.
Oh I can’t wait to read it! Thank you!
Kelly, I love this. Beautiful poem!