This Gift ..

 while we fawn and fumble and fuss
   with glitzy paper, ribbon and such
this gift lay covered in straw
   inhaling the very earth-scent of dung

this gift had its being and moved and lived
   within the very fleshy womb of a young woman
tabernacled for just the right time
the first Christ-mas

and angels danced
   while trumpets sounded in an unearthy tone
and shepherds
      poor and unimportant
   leapt and raced
   bearing Good News

sages from afar had left their birthright
   to discover
      the treasure hidden in a bosom
            (unable even to mutter an intelligible Word)
   and brought gifts
      for This Gift

who knew   ?
expectant Israel
   yearning for deliverance
   waiting
      breath held in anticipation
   knew
   and recognized This Gift
      presented in their temple
         acknowledged
            human
            Jew
           under Law

and yet This Gift was given
   to all the world
a reminder that the One who created it all
   imbues this our humanity
      with Godself

the greatest gift ever, Mum ..