Bethlehem, House of Bread

by Felipe Salinas

The oldest, a wandering king with
a heavenward gaze, looks down
for once from star systems and pours
himself into earthenware bowls

His brother heralds the addition
of each glorious new ingredient
like a shepherd just torn from sleep
by news too wonderful to bear

Meanwhile, their sister, an angel
covered in white, rains flour all around
like grace which stubbornly clings
to baker and bystander alike

Hovering over them all,
orchestrating their ministrations,
their mother braves the
crucible's heat on their behalf

And, with colors fired brightly
on their creations, these seekers
and messengers of Bethlehem's promise
spread snowmen and trees and candles
all around--bread given over
to the cradling hands of friends,
sweet manna bringing delight
even unto the hands of strangers

Christmas Poems
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