I was not sure I would post tonight, but as I read comments left on don’t worry, be happy I came across one from Valerie. Valerie suggested a poem by G. K. Chesterton. We regard the donkey as a beast of burden, but it serves a literal and figurative purpose in the Christian world and perhaps beyond.
Literally, the donkey, that simple beast of burden, carried Jesus into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. This simple animal symbolically in the Middle East of Jesus’ time was an animal of peace. Today, figuratively we recall Jesus used this beast of burden as his mode of transport elevating it.
When fishes flew and forests walked
And figs grew upon thorn,
Some moment when the moon was blood
Then surely I was born.
With monstrous head and sickening cry
And ears like errant wings,
The devil’s walking parody
On all four-footed things.
The tattered outlaw of the earth,
Of ancient crooked will;
Starve, scourge, deride me: I am dumb,
I keep my secret still.
Fools! For I also had my hour;
One far fierce hour and sweet:
There was a shout about my ears,
And palms before my feet.
I dig the contradictory states you introduce; itthe monster evokes the Jabberwock from a different angle, for me, meets a little Poe…who might be a little cold, too. Super sentences.
sorry about that typo ^^ up there…:(
No problem; thank you for the comment.
How lovely that you posted this, Ivon… it used to make me weep when I was a little girl reading this
I am grateful you made the suggestion. It is the time of the year. My mother has always said Easter is the most important Christian celebration of the year.
I Nominate you for the prestigious Hug Award – Hope Unites Globally
Please accept & oblige.
Important:
Please read the instructions carefully in the link provided
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http://ajaytao2010.wordpress.com/2013/03/09/the-hug-award-hope-unites-globally/
Thank you Ajaytao. It is greatly appreciated.
thanks sir
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I’ve always loved this poem Ivon, but it’s been years since I’ve read it. Thanks for sharing it and reminding me its there for all of us.
I am glad you enjoyed it Elizabeth.
Beautiful poem….which was affecting in a nice kind of sad…..gentle Jesus on a humble donkey. Thank you Valerie for sharing it and Ivon for posting it…..best wishes to all from Brisbane, Australia!
Thank you Lynne. And best wishes to Brisbane.
The donkey is noble because he knows his purpose. great parable!
Thank you.