Each tiny poem begins with a phrase taken from “Christmas Mail” by Ted Kooser.
~~ 1 ~~
the plaintive bleating
of a thousand frightened sheep
after shepherds flee
~~ 2 ~~
into the distance
always following the star—
resolute Magi
~~ 3 ~~
Wise men, the donkeys
with their sure feet and keen eyes
will guide your camels.
~~ 4 ~~
clopping of camels
how they perform their slow dance
for the manger child
~~ 5 ~~
Who chews and muses
after the right choice of hay?
Mary, do you know?
~~ 6 ~~
shuffle of sandals—
small talk before the manger,
the mother, and child
~~ 7 ~~
deep in the shadows
trembling at the presence
unwashed shepherds sweat
~~ 8 ~~
cup white as a star
no snag in the smooth surface—
she sips her latte
~~ 9 ~~
her Styrofoam cup—
as long as she clutches it,
no need to panic
~~ 10 ~~
perched on the dashboard
to help drivers in distress—
good St. Anthony
~~ 11 ~~
hint of hazelnut
in her vanilla latte—
hoping for a high
~~ 12 ~~
then a touch of myrrh
to burn the tip of her tongue
with mortality
© 2014 by Magical Mystical Teacher
More Poetry Pantry #232
More The Sunday Whirl, Wordle 192