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.
© 2011 by Violet Nesdoly
****************
The Christmas story is full of miracles. This star is one of them. I hope, this holiday season, that you are being wowed by a few wonders and miracles as well.
This poem is a re-post. It was first published here in December 2011. Today it is linked to Poetry Friday, hosted by Buffy Silverman at Buffy’s Blog.
storygal
December 14, 2011 at 7:37 am
I like your comparison of camels to our typical travel, and the drawing force of the star to the travellers.
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vnesdoly
December 19, 2011 at 10:58 am
Thanks so much, Storygal! (Sorry I kept your comment in limbo so long … It got missed.)
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Maureen
December 14, 2011 at 8:06 am
I like how you’ve taken this very old story and rendered it with contemporary feeling and language.
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c van gorkom
December 14, 2011 at 8:19 am
HOHOHO MERRY CHRISTMAS!! 😀 The illustration with your poem is perfect! LOL
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Buffy Silverman
December 19, 2013 at 9:29 pm
Love the mixture of old and new, especially the line: “headed
to the mall for myrrh and frankincense
stopped by the bank for gold.”
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Violet Nesdoly
December 20, 2013 at 5:46 am
Thanks so much, Buffy! And thank you for hosting Poetry Friday today.
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Myra GB
December 20, 2013 at 1:30 pm
Such a timeless tale that never ever goes old. Thanks for sharing your beautiful poetry, Violet. My husband was born on The feast of saints (supposedly the 6th of January), so I’m going to share this poem with him. 🙂
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Myra GB
December 20, 2013 at 1:31 pm
oops not feast of saints, feast of epiphany – the three kings. 🙂
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Violet Nesdoly
December 20, 2013 at 3:41 pm
You’re right, Myra. The feast of the three kings is Epiphany and it is the 6th of January. Happy Birthday to him!
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haitiruth
December 20, 2013 at 2:29 pm
I like this! Thanks!
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Linda Baie
December 20, 2013 at 3:36 pm
Violet, you tell such a story in your unique way. Love its flair but also the taste of magic. Also love that you included the dialogue: ““Carry on boys.
There is a reason you’ve come all this way.” So down to earth, as it was, and then the miracle. Thank you, and Merry, merry Christmas!
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Violet Nesdoly
December 20, 2013 at 3:42 pm
Thank you so much Ruth and Linda! I hope you both have a Merry Merry Christmas too.
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Tabatha
December 20, 2013 at 4:40 pm
Merry Christmas, Violet! Wishing you unfaltering steps in 2014!
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Violet Nesdoly
December 20, 2013 at 4:57 pm
Thank you so much Tabatha!
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bjleepoet
December 21, 2013 at 6:51 am
love your modern twist on the Christmas story! ‘Headed for the mall…’ – love it! Have a wonderful holiday season!
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maryleehahn
December 21, 2013 at 2:24 pm
I love the “unkingliness” of your poem!
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Violet Nesdoly
December 21, 2013 at 2:35 pm
Thank you Mary Lee! 🙂 Hope you have a very Merry Christmas!
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kortney
December 21, 2013 at 3:25 pm
love the last stanza especially. perfect line breaks!
peace keep you this midwinter day.
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Violet Nesdoly
December 21, 2013 at 4:10 pm
Thank you, Kortney. Peace to you too. 🙂
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Michelle Heidenrich Barnes
December 23, 2013 at 7:50 pm
I LOVE this, Violet! I love how you’ve taken this old and well-worn story and jazzed it up in modern garb and a sense of humor. Brilliant.
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Violet Nesdoly
December 23, 2013 at 8:45 pm
Aw, thanks so much, Michelle! Hope you have a wonderful Christmas1
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