Migdal Eder

Muscles locked in agony Every ligament burning Pain flooding nerve endings Labor Heavy panting of breath Heart pumping trying to keep up Behind the canopy of human perception Life and Death dance On her knees pushing Two women holding her A third with hands out Down, down . . . blood, sweat Water – tears A tearing and a swoosh A boy, cover in blood Cries into the wind Life laughs with delight Rachel in a panting whisper Ben-Oni – his n a m e Dies Death – laughs defiantly Echoes across this luscious valley Livestock pause from eating Shepherds watch Jacob climbs Migal Eder Grief cries fill the valley *** 1000 years later ****** A small wiry man from Moresheth Deeply troubled Spoke about justice The coming of doom But also of hope Micah climbs – Migal Eder Watchtower of the flock Cries -- “Daughter of Zion” Listen . . . “Daughter of Jerusalem” Hear my words “Bethlehem Ephrathah Small among the mighty clans of Judah From within you A ruler over Israel – a shepherd From the beginning of days Of ancient time The restorer of Peace” ***** 700 years later ****** Too many people No rooms Tired, frustrated, worried The pain . . . Life and death begin to dance She yells J-O-S--E---P---H !!!!! In the distance A tower Fire “Hang on Mary” Almost there Panting prayer- Y a h w e h!!! Father of this great hurt! P – L – E – A – S – E Release your son – NOW!! Down Upon her knees A depression of earth A pair of hands Pushing with all her might Gritted teeth, white lips pressed wide A tearing of maidenhood A breaching of flesh – blood burst forth Within the blood – an infant Relief Cool air – Life dances upon the breeze Death shaken, slinks away Breast, milk, a swaddling A mother’s love Under Migal Eder Watchtower of the Flock Resting in a manger Across the valley A bright light Music – “Glory to God in the highest . . .” A new shepherd A paschal lamb J E S U S Live and Love Generously David Meade 12/19/2016