The godman

Christian Century, Dec 19, 2001 by Robert Desch

   listen
   I am
   the one authentic man
   the godman piercing time
   between a birth and a death
   infinity restrained by flesh
   omnipotence made frail
   omniscience
   curtailed by a brain
   you are free always to leave my manger
   the shrine in which I lie imprisoned
   by your childishness
   your piety
   your lack of caring
   I hold no person against his will
   prisoners I have
   but they are volunteers
   their freedom constantly enlarged
   in their response
   satan alone binds you with ever-tightening bonds
   that I can break
   you seem to be embarrassed
   he is
   real enough
   I wrestled with him every day down
   to the last one
   when we had it out
   for all of time
   you who leave the manger unimpressed
   fail
   to comprehend
   the crucial cosmic mission
   lying entrusted there
   the child became a man
   who hurting
   walked your tearful places too
   don't leave me in the manger
   with king-gifts
   walk with me back to life
   and I shall show you life as I know it
   listen
   I am
   the one authentic man
   the godman claiming everything for
   GOD