Читать книгу Apocrypha - David Southward - Страница 6

Her newborn wailed from lying on rough hay

where migrants crowded, waiting to be registered.

She hoped they’d have the tact to look away—

till three magicians blurted that they’d heard

kings roar like him! They pulled out shiny globes

to catch his gaze, declared his birth a sign.

The incense of their gold-embroidered robes

transformed the crib into a makeshift shrine.

Even the shepherds leaned in to take part,

hailing the little conqueror of Rome.

His heavy lids were lifting Mary’s heart

when Joseph returned; soon they could go home.

That night, as the child nursed in her soft sleeve,

she lulled him with the feats he would achieve.