BREAD
    - Ann Kilcrin Ward

"I am Alpha," He cried, "Omega, too;
I'll dance the lexicon for you!"
        The people watched, the people saw
        The Cosmos dancing with the Law.
        The people watched, then turned aside
        To supper and the fireside.

"I am the Truth," He sang, "The Way!
Follow me to a better day!
I'll give you joy, I'll take your sorrows,
For all your infinite tomorrows."
        The people followed, some of them
        Kissed His ragged garment's hem.
        (But soon the followers turned aside
        Tp supper and the fireside.)

He hailed the father, blessed the daughter,
Made a heady wine from water;
Then He told the awestruck groom,
"Even to the edge of doom
Will I be with you." The people sighed.
Eternity sounded very fine,
But this feast had abundant wine.
        The people ate and drank their fill,
        Then hurried home to the fireside.

Grieving, Jesus bowed his head
And prayed in the words of a common man,
        "Father,they need food to eat:
        Let me give them heaven's wheat.
        I ask you to turn this cup aside;
        Let me finish what I began!
        Let me go once more to their fireside."

A festive room, a table spread
For thirteen men gathered there.
Death waited in the streets outside,
But Jesus' smile was like a prayer.
        Then Alpha-Omega, the God-child said,
        "Take, eat; I am your bread."