At the Créche

This poem was born when I was lighting a candle in front of the Nativity scene after Mass today.

At the Créche

My little Savior, here for Thee
I light this little flame,
That its bright tongue may speak for me,
Whose tongue cannot sing worthily
The praises of Thy name.

Inflame me also, Infant dear,
Here cradled in the straw,
That I may burn with holy fear,
And love of Thee who liest here,
And reverence of Thy law.

Before Thy crib, my Lord Most High
Laid low in humble hay,
O let me live and let me die,
To shine in Heaven's light, as my
Small candle burns today.

- January 10, 2010
Feast of the Holy Family