I see my reflection in the polished gold of my gift,like a priest staring down into a chalice.I shine from the side of the scrolled box,and looking at myself is like looking at the sky,at the part of me that lives above,always close to the goodness of God,always trying to choose, with me,good thoughts, good … Continue reading While Kneeling, I Speak My Magic Self
Author: KPB Stevens
Nativity
Now this world’s mindfinds the strangeness of angelsand the snow, trampled in the streets,relearns the clarity of the sky.Stars flame in plates of food,and the claims of bodies,abused by years of walking,scarred from work, are made good.The whole town is angel-dressed,and all the people are astounded.Each neighbor wears a different face,each is arrayed in startling … Continue reading Nativity
St. Joseph’s Wedding Vows
If anyone objects to this unionlet them know that I will not touch youuntil the child is born.Let no one say that he is mine,and not the offspring of a vision.Everyone will look at us strangely.They will whisper “his new wifehas seduced him with her ecstasies,he is enticed by mania.”Even my friends will say“You are … Continue reading St. Joseph’s Wedding Vows
A Song Within and Beyond Mary
I, like all angels, am a scatter of words,half startling with great profundities,half absurd, I flash the shape of many wings,I sing, and like all angels, am sometimes heard. My task, now, is to introduce,to appear to that slight girlwho will carry a chorus in her womb.If flesh can reverberate with the cries of prophets,or … Continue reading A Song Within and Beyond Mary
Elizabeth Names Her Son
This is my son John.In summer, he will wear a buffalo robe,or bury himself in an anorak or a ski-jacket,snow pants and a hat with ear flaps.In winter he’ll walk naked.His skin will be blue.When he’s out in the wildernesshe might sit on a pole,or roll himself up like a hedgehogand live in a tree.He … Continue reading Elizabeth Names Her Son
KPB Stevens 