Lightly as a falling star, immense, may you

drop into the body of the pure young girl like a seed

into its furrow, entering your narrow home under the shadow

of Gabriel’s feathers. May your flesh shape itself within her,

swelling her with shame and glory. May her belly grow

round as a small planet, a bowl of golden fruit.

When you suck in your first breath, and your loud cries

echo through the cave (Blessings on you, little howler!),

may Mary adorn you with tears and caresses like ribbons,

her face glowing, a moon among stars. At her breasts

may you drink the milk of mortality that transforms you,

even more, into one of your own creatures.

its brutal frost (the barnyard smell strong as sin),And now, as the night of this world folds you in

and as Joseph, weary with unwelcome and relief, his hands

bloody from your birth, spreads his thin cloak

around you both, we doubly bless you, Baby,

as you are acquainted, for the first time, with our grief.