Poetry for Christmas

Kiliam McDonnell, a Roman Catholic theologian, is definitely not the average church member. He progresses with the culture and seeks to reveal what audiences always interpret. McDonnell’s style bursts energy and modern words that bring a new perspective to the Biblical texts. While reading the poems, I kept thinking about Slam Poetry, and how effective these poems could be using that sort of performance. I believe McDonnell has literary license. Before every poem, he gives a reference verse and follows the Biblical narrative outlines. Now to some Christians, McDonnell’s interpretation may be offensive. However, why water down the thoughts and events that changed history?

In the Kitchen paints a new setting for a divine and historical moment. Mary is doing her daily routine. She is normal like us, and God uses her. We can seek encouragement in the fact that God sees our normality and makes us become great through glorifying him. Also, ending the poem with, “And I dropped the rag,” sums up Mary’s emotions: awe, wonder, excitement, and shock. This is quite a pivotal ending to a moment that revolutionizes everything.

In the Kitchen

(“In the sixth month the angel Gabriel . . . .” Luke 1:26)

Bellini has it wrong.

I was not kneeling

on my satin cushion

quietly at prayer,

head slightly bent.

Painters always

skew the scene,

as though my life

were wrapped in silks,

in temple smells.

Actually I had just

come back from the well,

placing the pitcher on the table

I bumped against the edge,

spilling water on the floor.

As I bent to wipe

it up, there was a light

against the kitchen wall

as though someone had opened

the door to the

sun.

Rag in hand,

hair across my face,

I turned to see

who was entering,

unannounced, unasked.

All I saw

was light, white

against the timbers.

I heard a voice

I had never heard.

I heard a greeting,

I was elected,

the Lord was with me,

I pushed back my hair,

stood afraid.

Someone closed the door.

And I dropped the rag.