A Good Tale

(copyright V. Marquis, Dec. 13, 2022)

(Image credit – Wikimedia Commons)

Let me hear a good tale

a tale of hope and ordinary folk

doing good things for one another

reaching out in others’ need

helping a stranger no questions asked

not passing by on the other side

with eyes averted and ears stoppered

to avoid the appeal and meeting those eyes

full of pain and need.

Let me hear a good tale

like when you gave up your time

inconvenient and all

effort, energy, dollars

not wanting or expecting any return

doing the needed and beyond

then quietly moving on to take no credit

just a blessing left behind.

Let me hear a good tale

of heroism offered quietly

to save those who could not save themselves

daring and risking full knowing

what might result

but understanding it must be done

and no one else went in but you.

Let me hear a good tale

that brings light and hope

in the dark and gloom

as if there is yet an angel

bringing good tidings of great joy

meant for every girl and boy

every woman and man

every creature high and low

that the Creator has not forgotten

these little folk so low-esteemed

while high and mighty gloat and preen.

Let me hear a good tale

of babies born,

tiny lives full of possibility

hope, joy, light in little eyes

innocent yet of any wrong

having not yet learned to be mean

to demean, to put down and shove aside.

Let me hear a good tale

of that tiny life all lying ahead

eagerly awaiting the Maker’s grace

eagerly expecting to see the Holy face

not yearning for shrewd conniving

and self-indulgent striving

which all too readily will invade his course.

Let me hear the great good tale

of the Bethlehem baby

born in all humility

hidden away in obscurity

to no-account parents in poverty

not even a crib to lay him in

not even a warm blanket to wrap him in

but only swaddling rags in a stable manger.

Let me hear once more this great good tale

of how this meek babe’s lowly estate

inspired hosts of angels to celebrate

brought poor shepherds to investigate

drew distant sages to congregate

confounding all we humans elevate

as what we consider great.

So you, tiny babe in your mother’s arms

surrounded by hope and love

may you soon know that Other Child

who brings to all who seek Him out

the greatest peace and answer of all –

you are loved by Infinite Love

and you belong to that One first and last.