in excelsis

sweet child.
knowing not why you were chosen,
knowing only a faint dream's command.
but cradled by gracious love,
you made no protest.
one cry of rebellion
and angels could have stolen this precious gift.
the child nestled into your embrace
as you wailed in the stable that night.

sweet child.
tracing the holes in his open hands.
tears are frozen in your eyes.
his own mother, yet
you made no protest.
one shout of demur
and angels could have snatched him down.
the child lay limp in your bloodstained hands
as you wailed in agony that night.

sweet child.
knowing not left from right,
mother from father.
but knowing your changeless fate,
you made no protest.
one shiver of your writhing body
and angels could have stolen your new breath.
the grace was etched into your side
as you wailed in the stable that night.