Simple Love

Neighbors call me “Bastard.” 
But my mother tells me,

“You were born in a stable

as we cuddled with the animals for warmth.

“Shepherds then came to adore you.

So cherished

you're able to forgive your name-callers

with love shepherds have for a lost lamb found.”

Trauma Free

My life brings death.

When the king hears that a miraculous child is born

he murders all infants in our neighborhood.

My family escapes to Egypt --

where we sing on Passover,

celebrating how Egyptian slaves divined ways to be free.

Our songs imbue me with faith

that all people may be moved by life’s tragedies

to create liberating strategies.

Scandalous Turns Miraculous

Before I take a breath

my body and blood threaten love:

by swelling my mother Mary’s womb,

I move her fiancé, Joseph, to break their engagement.

Fortunately, Joseph’s love for Mary

Moves him to hear in a dream

that god sent an angelic messenger to father me.

We inspire people who hear about our family --

when any relationship is threatened –

to dream up imaginative ways

to keep love growing.         

Jail Bail

no need to condemn ourselves:

beloved

              friends

                          foes

                                   all     

                                        help us make amends

Who Knew

seems we discover we love

are loved

                more than we dream

when uncovered

Demon Freedom

angelic power

deformed

               love to be reborn wild flowering child

Now Wow

embracing present 

may we sense endless pleasant presence 

   gift presents