4 Comments
User's avatar
Jonathan Covington's avatar

I like this poem, and this time I'm going to say why.

One thing is the progression of Light and Bread, that awaken and nourish; followed by Just, which rescues; capped off with Hope, Truth and Lover, that heal and build up, with a hint to Original Intent.

I like that the self-sufficient are, as Mary said, sent "empty away", underscoring how Christ taught us to depend like a child on God.

I like that every stanza has two predicates, the two of which are not just a list, but a complementary pair, and say more together.

I like that the middle line of each stanza makes a progression of its own, and as such, because "hate" comes first, it is minimized, yet treated as perhaps a root cause of what follows: emptiness, poverty, despair, bondage and war.

And because the deeds of Love are not outstripped by those of Evil, the poem becomes a picture of the Grace of God.

Well done, brother Andrew!

Expand full comment
Andrew Terry's avatar

Thanks for the analysis and the kind words.

Expand full comment
Marisa Lapish's avatar

Thank you, Andrew…Meditating on your poem as I get Christmas breakfast prepared for my family is a meaningful way to begin this special day. Blessings of love to your family!

Expand full comment
Andrew Terry's avatar

Merry Christmas!

Expand full comment