Sunday, December 3, 2023

"Setting Up the Manger Scene"

A-Poem-a-Day Until Christmas


A few of Maude's hand-painted ceramic Nativity figures.


SETTING UP THE MANGER SCENE

 

A few snowflakes drift in wintry air

as I carry the carton down the stairs

and unwrap the antique fragile things—

a manger, some camels and three kings.

 

I set them on the polished tabletop,

being careful not to chip or drop

them as I do. Sheep and shepherd men

are arranged as entering Bethlehem.

 

An angel, gilded, with one chipped wing

is affixed above; her place to sing.

There’s a cow and donkey, nibbling straw,

Joseph, kneeling, with a look of awe

 

and Mary, new at being mother

gazing adoringly at none other

than her swaddled, holy, infant Son…

Jesus, Our Savior, on day one.

 

As I move each figure, to its place,

I call upon God’s loving grace…

pray each who stand before my manger,

to Jesus, will never be a stranger.

 

May this heirloom crèche, made long ago

recall the event that sets hearts aglow.

May He be for them, as He’s been for me—

 

Sweet Love…for now

and through eternity.

 

Maude Carolan Pych 

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