Christ Child (A Poem for Christmas)

Nativity with Saints Francis & Lawrence by Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio

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Christ Child

Did you know, little Child,
The world that would receive you?
Ill with Sin,
Delirious with Pride,
Desperate for Healing,
But recoiling from Your touch.
Of course, You did.
Of course, You did.

But for now, dear Child,
Sleep.
Be soothed by the cool winter wind
And nurse from Mother Immaculate
And rest under Father’s watch.
Tomorrow, You begin.
But tonight – tonight – sleep.
Sleep.