The Gifts of the Magi: Three Sonnets
Sonnet 1 - Sage/ Magus
Sonnet 2 - Joseph
Sonnet - 3 Angel.
Sage/ Magus
Between us all, we needed to be sure
that we could eat and provender our beasts,
on strange impetuous journey, with a star
leading to one who will be King and priest.
Not one of us knew where this star might lead
So being charged to plan our wherewithal
as I was, felt a puzzle, guessing needs
and dangers, such as being held in thrall.
So, gold a ‘must’; by each of us agreed,
to deal with tribes with goods or skills to sell;
but gold is heavy, risky too, once seen.
Ah! fragrant resins can be traded well.
And! Lightweight Frankincense and Myrrh, with gold,
might make apt gifts for one by star foretold.
Joseph
An angel warned, we needed to depart,
For frenzied Herod in a rage would kill
Our first-born child. Flee where? How should we start?
Rely on Yahweh’s wise and sovereign will?.
Think now! We’ve gold; for all immediate needs
From anyone with vital goods to sell;
But gold is heavy, risky too, once seen.
Oh! fragrant resins can be traded well.
So we are blessed; those unexpected gifts
give us the means to leave here instantly,
to face a fearful flight, which needs be swift,
with God’s provision, timed just perfectly.
Yes! Incense, myrrh and gold will pay our way,
Such fitting gifts for this horrendous day.
Angel
I come with news of journeys safely made,
Sages returned. The refugees now far
from violent thugs in puppet Herod’s pay.
Assassins those, blood lusting, groomed for war,
And death of innnocents, with ‘Crush by rape’
Presumed in edict, ‘Slaughter Beth’lem’s heirs’.
While I’m dream-urging Joseph to escape,
My distraught comrades weep for those now snared.
So flies the family, with gifts concealed
Their lifeline: infused too with meanings deep.
Incense, a precious sign of God revealed
Who, in their child, spans all the starry sweep.
Gold for the kingship of God’s only Son.
Myrrh for his tomb – and your salvation won.