Christmas Eve - Fire and Dove

Upon the straw and the dirt

from which we came

and which we will end

amidst blood and travail 

a cleansing birth

No hero, no knight, but a baby

born not of gods, but of a virgin

the great receipt of grace

born to her, without question 

Above them a star

a crowned knot of fire

brighter than a flame of branch

men bringing their gifts

restored by the sight

despite their sins, he smiles

Only a baby, but so aware

of the soul's fragility

of all that they've done and been

the bitter tastelessness

of the night's fruit
the worth of the soul's prayer

Upon the straw and the dirt,

from which we came

and which we will end

a dove bears witness

to bent, humble knee.

On the ground of their beseeching 

a baby bears witness

to a hearts revealing

as the fire and dove are one

 - LB Johnson