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A Remarkable Day

“He’s God in human form!” whispers the crowd
In motley clothes and groups of twos and threes
Beneath the bulky, partly-aqua sky.
As nighttime slowly drops, birds meet the breeze
And soar towards the heavens, grand and proud.

Under the shanty’s thatched roof sits a mother.
A blue cloak, one white tunic, and a veil
Make up her dress. Her eyes endear The Child
All humbly, and her soul is chanting, ‘Hail!’,
Aware her Son is not like any other.

Three men of kingly rank have gathered here
To show their reverence to Him through gold
Censers and myrrh while bowing. They are garbed
In striking gowns, have horses, and look old.
Their true devotion fills the atmosphere.

Although The King is born, His home is small,
Haunted by lambs and oxen, and straw-made,
To show God chose to dwell among the simple
And that His only Son has come to aid
Humanity and deliver us all.

None knew they were to get abundant grace
Yet rushed on hearing “Come and see the Boy!”—
Some children, elderlies, and Roman guards;
Though some hearts harbour doubts and some great joy,
Each eye’s fixed to this Baby’s lucent face.

First published by The Ekphrastic Review

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Shamik Banerjee is a poet from Assam, India, where he resides with his parents. His poems have been published by Sparks of Calliope, The Hypertexts, Snakeskin, Ink Sweat & Tears, Autumn Sky Daily, Ekstasis, among others. He received second place in the Southern Shakespeare Company Sonnet Contest, 2024.

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3 Responses

  1. Gigi Ryan

    Dear Shamik,
    When I write Christmas poems, and I consider the countless hymns and poems that have already been written about the season, I wonder if there is anything left to be said. Yet, as we view the scene before us, there are an infinite number of perspectives, and thus, infinite possibilities of description.
    Your poem looks upon the scene of Christmas and retells the old story, making it fresh and beautiful yet again. I especially love the image of the motley clothed groups of two and three. It is still an image of worshippers who come before Him today.
    Thank you. Merry Christmas!
    Gigi

    Reply
  2. Cynthia Erlandson

    This is really beautiful, Shamik! I love your a-b-c-b-a rhyme scheme. “Aware her Son is not like any other” is a marvelous line, as is your description of the art throughout the poem.

    Reply
  3. Margaret Coats

    In many ways, Shamik, your poem interprets the painting as a picture of devotion. It’s not just “Adoration of the Magi,” but the adoration of the Virgin is well outlined, as is the desire of everyone simply to see the Child. May you receive abundant grace this Christmas!

    Reply

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