Go to Pages, Advent Fiction #4 to read the conclusion to "Jacob's Wish."
We begin Advent by remembering the angel Gabriel’s visit to young Mary. Last year, as part of my own Advent meditation, I wrote these poems. I hope you enjoy them.
Gabriel
How much shrinking did you have to do
to get into the house?
How much shine had to be rubbed off
to become visible?
Did you carry the plan like a secret fire in the heart,
because such information could cause
a whole new rebellion up there?
And when the girl said yes, how much
did you ache to grow legs and lungs and
a head of hair, just to know the sensation
of your spirit breaking open?
Copyright © 2009 Vinita Hampton Wright
Mary’s Mom
I’d like to know if you noticed anything different
about your daughter. On a particular day, did she seem pale
or out of breath? Was she weepy? Did you have to tell her things twice?
When the truth came out, did you agonize about why
she hadn’t come to you? Did you tell her father, or did she?
And—be honest, now—when you, being the mother, being a woman,
understood the situation, didn’t you enjoy some moments
of sheer satisfaction? Didn’t you say to God, one eyebrow arched,
“You couldn’t have picked a better one”?
Copyright © 2009 Vinita Hampton Wright
Vinita,
So energizing to come across your Advent poems, "Gabriel" and "Mary's Mom". I always love your creative mind...and miss hearing your readings from days of yore!
Gloria
Posted by: Gloria Carlson | December 08, 2010 at 07:08 PM
I LOVE these poems, and I hope it's ok that I've posted them in my Advent blog. If you prefer, I could just link to them here, but it's s busy time of year and folks aren't inclined to follow links.
Posted by: Robin | December 14, 2010 at 07:05 PM
Robin, I'm happy for you to post the poems on your space. Blessed Advent to you,
Vinita
Posted by: vinita | December 15, 2010 at 10:15 AM
Gloria--wonderful to hear from you! And glad you enjoyed the poems. It seems long ago that I was doing readings at LaSalle . . .
Posted by: vinita | December 15, 2010 at 10:16 AM