If Christ could ever be born again, Who would his Mother be? "I," said Sorrow; and "I," said Pain; And "I," said Poverty. But how, were Christ so made again, Could one be born of Three? "Are not the griefs of earth a strain Of the Blessed Trinity?" And who, on his birth-night, again His worshipers would be? "Love," said Sorrow; and "Pity," said Pain; And "Peace," said Poverty. And who the seers, from what strange lands, Would come to look at him? "The simple and wise, with serving hands, And little ones light of limb." And what would the kings of earth do then? "Put simple and wise to flight; While loud in the darkened homes of men Little ones cried for light." What use, what use, if once again The world rejects the Sign? "Christ will still be a Lover of men, And his heart may be yours and mine. "For this is the Tree whose blessed yield Bears seed in darkest ground; And a wound by those bright leaves is healed, Wherever a wound is found." |