December 21

"Madonna and Child" by Wee Three, 2009

The Heart-in-Waiting

poem by Kevin Crossely-Holland,

music composed by Bob Chilcott,

and performed by The NFM Wroclaw Philharmonic Choir 

Jesus walked through whispering wood: 

‘I am pale blossom, I am blood berry, 

I am rough bark, I am sharp thorn. 

This is the place where you will be born.’ 

 Jesus went down to the skirl of the sea: 

‘I am long reach, I am fierce comber, 

I am keen saltspray, I am spring tide.’ 

He pushed the cup of the sea aside

 And heard the sky which breathed-and-blew: 

‘I am the firmament, I am shape-changer, 

I cradle and carry and kiss and roar, 

I am infinite roof and floor.’ 

 All day he walked, he walked all night, 

Then Jesus came to the heart at dawn. 

‘Here and now,’ said the heart-in-waiting, 

‘This is the place where you must be born.’