An earth keeping tryst with heaven — and the universe passed by, flowing with splendor.

The star has its outpouring, and the night its outpouring — and by them the manger called the prophets to mind.

*

"What has come to pass?"

"The earth has been changed for another."

"From a manger the light awakens."

They said it, and flew to the worlds — through you — for they had brought glad tidings of hope.

A night that guided the guided says: "In me the ages were gathered, and not for any ending.

A covenant for every being and every surmise — my arm alone bestowed it in bounty.

O my two shores of mercy: every sea, beside your flood, is but a spring of water."

*

And the star turned blue with beauty, and said: "After me, light is only what I will.

The sun has a watering-place in my diamond; some of the gifts that come from me are gladness.

I led the Magi; I set minds down before Him who made the beginning begin, the Keeper of all abiding."

*

The two went off vaunting, like a pair of pagans; and the manger broke into a smile with heaven's Living One.

It understood that love had been there first. What is speech after that, and what is pride?