“But the imagination
knows all stories
before they are told
and knows the truth of this one
past all defection”

* William Carlos Williams
from “The Gift”

It comes to children and kings,
little ones and magi–magus, sorcerer

giving praise where due, a beacon
in the night sky, a new star

they could not conjure, compelled
to set forth on camels, Bedouins

after all–their kingdoms of sand,
playground of children, Mystery illumined.

Look close at their three gifts–
gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

Consider what the imagination knows,
a six-year-old’s painting–three apples,

primary colors, the feast of Joy
we choose for the new year–

bright red, yellow, and green,
our willing suspension of deceit–

shadows absorbing all color,
that other illuminating discovery.

 

Coda:

“All men by their nature give praise.
It is all
they can do.”

* William Carlos Williams
from “The Gift”

* William Carlos Williams. “The Gift. A Poem.” Publisher: (New Directions), [Norfolk, Connecticut]. Publication Date: 1957. Binding: Unbound. 
https://ccca.biola.edu/advent/2022/#day-dec-22