STABILITY

Joan Bond

In a stable
the Child-King was born
into a chaotic world,
so that
by His death
hearts might give Him room,
and be found
in stable condition.

Joan Bond lives in Halifax, N.S.

SUPERSTAR

Joan Bond

he was no superstar
his PR man
lost his head
his fans
lost their nerve
his road show
lost its appeal

no, he was a star
from another galaxy
the heartbeat of heaven
visited in one man
who lost--only once
to gain eternity
for you

Joan Bond lives in Halifax, N.S.

Shepherd Dream

Elaine M. Pinto

The slow grey wave of sheep heaves in the chill
around us pungent night air
stings the face against too many years
in this field too many times I've watched
Huldah low and bent, returning her numbered flock
from the hills nearby Oh God--we've loved

through years of hard labour we've lived through
things not expected long years ago when
my loins burst with seed we showered dreams
of large holdings and blessings from the rabbi
and other shepherds to take the nightwatch we dreamed
for visits to the temple with the great procession

like winter vapour of sheep breath we puff out
our dreams one by one like Yasch and Reuben
in the next field we wished for something more
than gruelling days and re-mended clothes
for the children we wished for more than scarce
visits to the temple because we were unclean.

and lo, an angel of the Lord came upon them . . .
and the glory of the Lord shone round about them.
Luke 2:8,9

Elaine M. Pinto is a member of McIvor Ave. MB Church in Winnipeg.

Return to the M.B.Herald Vol. 35, No. 23 Home Page