Advent Poem II
the week of peace
What a troubled, weary world Jesus was born into. And while we are still very troubled and weary, the peace of Christ reigns. What a paradox that such glorious peace can come from such immense suffering. This week’s poem is a (loosely) chiastic poem1 that attempts to capture the paradox.
Prince of Peace
Can peace be born of crocodile jaws,
or solace found in the flash of silver sword?
What can quench the wailing of a grieving mother,
or soothe men who bleed anger from their mouths—
an angry crowd hasty to devour by lash and nail?
Can peace be born to die on a tree, devoured
like blood on thirsty ground, mouth soaked in wine?
Yet on a silent night, He wailed his newborn cries,
as stars flashed silver in the sky, God surrendered—
the prince of peace was born.I pray this week that you are able to rest in the peace of Christ.
1
Here’s an explanation of the chiastic structure
"as stars flashed silver in the sky, God surrendered"
The glory of that image and the gravity of God "surrendering" is breathtaking. Also, the whole poem is lovely to read aloud! Thank you for teaching me what "chiastic" poetry is.