GOD GOD
SHALOM : ARREST : USE YOUR LOAF
HA MEGGIDO : WEEKEND AWAY
SHALOM
Bunched together
Smelling of sheep
and wood smoke,
They hesitated in the doorway.
The father invited them
in.
The goat complained and
Two hens flapped out of the way,
Irritated at being disturbed.
The mother smiled.
No one spoke
In
the awkward silence
Of confused curiosity
The chaotic night had brought.
At last one spoke:
"There is a baby then?"
The mother pointed
To
the trough and straw.
The child turned and whimpered
And the shepherds
bent forward
In the cramped space.
"So that's him, then?"
"Yes", she
said and smiled.
"So." said another.
Nothing more.
Uncertain of what
to say.
It was as if time had stopped.
"We were told he'd be here.
Angels, you see..."
Nothing else was said.
Except
"Shalom".
ARREST
The stones,
Hard on
the knees
And sleep, difficult.
The oppressive dark
Underscores an
overture
Of coming voices.
The mob.
A kiss.
An arrest.
Illustration : Claire Elliot
USE YOUR LOAF
"This is my body",
The Saviour
said,
As he offered
Them the bread.
For you see,
It was Sonblest
And Godblest
And Spiritblest;
One loaf, not three.
HA MEGGIDO : WEEKEND AWAY
All poems and photographs [unless
otherwise acknowledged]
© Bryce Cooke All rights
reserved
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