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A Poem on the Hypostatic Union

 
The Hypostatic Union

The Word set forth before the world began
        Wrote out the mournful tune in minor key:
        The crying of the infant Son of Man.
There was no way that they could understand
        How that small and helpless child could be
        The Word set forth before the world began.
Joseph wondered at the tiny hand,
        The scrunched-up face, the frail intensity
        Of crying in the infant Son of Man.
The angel host deployed and took its stand
        To sing out with celestial harmony
        The Word set forth before the world began.
Mary marveled at the shepherd band
        Who came to hear, while bowing awkwardly,
        The crying of the infant Son of Man.
Yet it was in accordance with the plan
        Articulated from eternity:
        The Word set forth before the world began
Was crying in the infant Son of Man.

 
© 2011 by Donald T. Williams. Reprinted by permission of the author who reserves all other rights.

Donald T. Williams is the R. A. Forrest Scholar and Professor of English at Toccoa Falls College. The poem above, along with many more like it, is available in his book, STARS THROUGH THE CLOUDS: THE COLLECTED POETRY OF DONALD T. WILLLIAMS (Lynchburg: Lantern Hollow Press, 2011), which can be .

About David Oestreich

David Oestreich lives in northwest Ohio with his wife and three children. He is a maker of poems, photographs, fishing flies, and Saturday afternoon semi-haute cuisine. His poetry has appeared in various venues, both print and online.