Guided
When confluence in the heavens
shone brighter than any illuminated text
they high-fived, then headed
to the mall for myrrh and frankincense
stopped by the bank for gold.
Whenever, on that dusty trek
needles of sand attacked
camels were crabby
thighs chafed, tailbones ached
eyes rose again to blue-white beam
that drew them like a magnet.
In Jerusalem when no one knew
about an infant king
heaven’s eye winked seeming to say
“Carry on boys.
There is a reason you’ve come all this way.”
The single-file Bethlehem street
led to a crescent of modest bungalows
but even here
their confidence never wavered
for their star hovered
over one.
And so they double-parked
jumped off those dusty camels
rummaged through sandy saddle bags for gifts
knocked on that humble door
with trembling anticipation.
Despite the unkingliness
of the whole business
faith never faltered
for God’s spotlight
had guided every step.



I like your comparison of camels to our typical travel, and the drawing force of the star to the travellers.
Thanks so much, Storygal! (Sorry I kept your comment in limbo so long … It got missed.)
I like how you’ve taken this very old story and rendered it with contemporary feeling and language.
HOHOHO MERRY CHRISTMAS!!
The illustration with your poem is perfect! LOL