by Peter Gallaher
If rain has fallen all day and night
What is that for you on the way
Bathed in the richness of the weather
Does not the child within you swim in light
Wrap your fingers in the coarse hair
Of the donkey's mane
And ignore the pain
Each next step is a mystery
This is all you know:
On the back of a humble beast you have been sent
To bring light to the world while mist closes
The horizon to your small mount's bobbing head
Silently you will arrive to silence
Among the innocent and dumb
A strong wind, a howling,
Blows sheets of rain
Tears the veil of mist
The man walking with you
Always at your side
The beast you ride
Witness eternity's
Rushing into time
Who can understand this
Who is ready to see it happen
Yet it will happen
With the suddeness of pains
Overtaking a woman in labor
