Advent 2013 : Day 11

‘Preparation’

At his birth

he will be cradled

in outstretched arms, of women who wait

to clean his body, tenderly

wash away caked blood and soil,

and wrap him tightly-bound in linen strips

so he feels safe in this wide space;

then lay him gently in the carved-out rock.

How many times did you rehearse these moments in your mind, Mary?

Did you know then that when it came to pass

these actions were themselves preparing? For

At his death

he will be cradled

in outstretched arms, of women who wait

to clean his body, tenderly

wash away caked blood and soil,

and wrap him tightly-bound in linen strips

so he feels safe in this wide space;

then lay him gently in the carved-out rock.