Epiphany

1/6/19

(Note Biblical scholars generally agree that the Magi were Zoroastrians from Persia)

I have no lyrics tonight

If I could I would rewrite ‘We Three Kings of Orient Are….’

Tracing the journey of the Magi, los Tres Reyes Magos,

From their homeland across the desert where their eyes

Scan the skies in search of a star 

Or death bearing drone

Until they reach the streets of el barrio

Accompanied by their camels

Like refugees from a Radio City Music Hall spectacular

Bearing gifts for the holy children of Spanish Harlem

Magos heavy of heart thinking of family and friends

Back home waiting anxiously for the next shoe - or bomb - to drop.

Wondering if  before their journey is complete

Their heavily accented Spanish will draw the attention of ICE

Detaining and deporting them back to danger or

Rather well schooled by centuries of mad kings

Insecure in the full awareness of their own illegitimacy

Striking out at children, our magi will, as they say,

Go home by another way.

El Santo Nino waits at border with his parents.

A sixty foot razor wire topped wall confronting them

Wanting  only to make their case for asylum

Seeking shelter among the tents of refugees on the side streets of Juarez

Parents fearing that el Nino Jesus will be separated from them

And put in a cage 

While Jose and Maria are sent back to waiting agents of death.

I am waiting for that moment 

When clear as a shooting star or heat lightning in a summer desert sky 

Or tracer rockets shot across the horizon

That moment of Epiphany comes

When in an instant we get it

We get it

I am waiting for Epiphany 

This January 6

The year of our Lord 2020.