Paz

The gift

As the wise men of old brought gifts
guided by a star
... to the humble birthplace
of the god of love,
the devils
... as an old print shows
retreated in confusion.

What could a baby know
of gold ornaments
or frankincense and myrrh,
of priestly robes
... and devout genuflections?

But the imagination
knows all stories
... before they are told
and knows the truth of this one
past all defection.

The rich gifts
so unsuitable for a child
... though devoutly proffered,
stood for all that love can bring.

The men were old
how could they know
of a mother's needs
or a child's appitite?

But as they kneeled
the child was fed.
... They saw it
and
gave praise!
A miracle
had taken place,
... hard gold to love,
a mother's milk!
Before
... their wondering eyes.

The ass brayed
the cattle lowed.
... It was their nature.

All men by their nature give praise.
It is all
... they can do.

The very devils
by their flight give praise.
... What is death,
beside this?

Nothing. The wise men
came with gifts
and bowed down
to worship
... this perfection.

William Carlos Williams
(retirado daqui, com os meus agradecimentos)