carol

Abstract

A tender devotional lyric on the Christ-child in Mary’s arms, contrasting the weary world with the divine peace of the Nativity.

Testo / Text

Archetypes: Innocent, Great Mother Motifs: Stars, Crown, Fire, Light and Dark, Flowers Themes & Concepts: Divine Love, Grace and Redemption, Joy, Wonder and Gratitude, Kingship and Legitimacy, Natural Order Forms & Genres: Hymn, Lyric Historical References: Bible Characters: Virgin Mary, Christ

A Christmas Carol

The Christ-child lay on Mary’s lap,
His hair was like a light.
(O weary, weary were the world,
But here is all aright.)

The Christ-child lay on Mary’s breast,
His hair was like a star.
(O stern and cunning are the kings,
But here the true hearts are.)

The Christ-child lay on Mary’s heart,
His hair was like a fire.
(O weary, weary is the world,
But here the world’s desire.)

The Christ-child stood at Mary’s knee,
His hair was like a crown.
And all the flowers looked up at Him,
And all the stars looked down.

(From “The Wild Knight”, first published 1900.
Also published in “The collected Poems of G.K.Chesterton”)