benedícimus te
maybe she’s like any
body
walking the sidewalks
or dusty roads
or the narrow places
pushing a baby carriage
filled with
dreams
or broken dolls
or aluminum cans
she picked up on busy streets
where no one saw her
as they pushed
past the rushing wings
of sparrows
and angels
as she made her way
to the manger
thecourseofourseasons 
Laudamus te
Benedicimus te
Adoremus te
Vivaldi’s Gloria
For what you do to the least my brethren you do unto me
Something which should all be mindful of but especially now for advent.There are too many of us who are homeless and need help. The religious resources are stretched beyond belief and the state does not think it worth bothering about too much. A sad world with occasional glimmers of kindness which I must write about more often.Happy Christmas!
An idea I had not really thought much about this before. What did the couple look like as they headed to the manger and what was the attitude of onlookers. Probably just ignored them, much like today.
This young woman is homeless, outcast; the poem soars way past a biblical analogy, it is street savvy & urban & heartfelt; loved it–still working on what the “manger” might have been, a church basement, a half-way house, a spot under the bridge; powerful, tender, real; thanks.
Glenn, my dear, your comments always move me so much – I appreciate your thoughtful reading and kind words. Thank you – K
This one brought tears…OH so beautiful. I must share this one. so lovely!
thanks so much – I appreciate your kind words – K
Beautiful poem !
thank you – K
I think Mary was quite unique – FILLED with grace as we never quite can be… She is the Mother of God and no woman before or sense is like her. I think many forget that. Yet we ask for grace and receive it. Many the qualities Mary had are certainly worthy of emulation – innocence, humility, obedience, acceptance, etc. I ponder how afraid she was… I really don’t think all that afraid – she had complete faith, trust. However, I do think she had a deep sadness that went hand in hand with pure and true joy. I’m Catholic, have spent many an evening pondering Mary. Of course, that does not make me right. It’s what I believe – not everyone. I found when I read this poem, thinking of Mary, though. The psychologically impaired pushing a carriage full of pop bottles rather captured my attention – as many homeless are mentally ill and are often quoting the bible…
Well done!
Thank you, Margaret. I appreciate your response to my poem. And I know how this can be interpreted as about Mary, but I also believe all Christians make their way to the manger in a way. Thank you again and many blessings of the season. K
I initially did equate this image to a homeless woman – I was responding a bit to the comment below. The beauty in this piece (for me) is that due to “lucky” circumstances, this isn’t me. We are really so very much like those who are “unfortunate” … Of course, the word “manger” is so craftily used here – it can go in a number of directions – which is what good poetry does.
Kathleen, another excellent writing. I love that it tells such a powerful story in deed and love! Well done my friend. The imagery is strong and your use of words give a sense of wonder too. What would I be looking at if going about ordinary streets?
Thanks, dear Joanie. I am so happy you liked this. Are you ready for our winter storm? Stay safe and warm – hugs -K
i think mary was so down to earth and so fearless…she must’ve been a wonderful woman… and many a mary walks today’s streets as well…
so much humbleness in this… nice contemporary writing
its interesting…wheni was a youth pastor i spent time talking to the kids about mary and putting her in a more modern light…what she was going through as an unwed mother…it was eye opening to say the least…but still she did her duty….
You know, I never quite thought of it that way. Such a delightfully new perspective!
thanks so much – K
Thie poem creates such a strong image with all the details.. it makes up a totally new scene… Love it…
The ending of this poem takes my breath away. The manger is on my mind this time of year as well.
Such a touching piece and a great reminder for all of us to be thankful for what we have. Nicely written.
… and maybe she’s not. I love the concrete images here, the sparrows, the cans, the broken dolls – all so very ordinary and every-day, but all so evocative too.