Simeon



How did you trust the life
of one just born,
and let that be
what makes you end
with hope?

How did you know the moment, 
how did you recognize
this advent as strong enough
to bear the weight 
of your own failing, falling life?

Were you visited by light,
enough light for a whole world,
and did it come from those two eyes,
seeing you so brightly
against the gloom of age?

Is what you sawso clearly, 
through dim eyes and temple smoke
the not-so-distant moment
when this baby’s arms
will carry you
home?


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