The Nativity by Federico Barocci (c. 1535-1612)
Take my yoke for it is easy,
said the gracious ox to Christ
as he warmed the newborn baby
with his breath, that winter night.
Though the yoke of sin is heavy,
yours is as benign and sweet
as your face upon this pillow
of my manger, gift replete.
Christ invites you in to meet him,
called the ox, come in and bow
to the savior who will lead you
for, to him, my yoke's endowed.
Author notes
Matthew 11:30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light
The ox is a symbol of sacrifice and represents the gospel of Luke oftentimes. Notice the ox framing the baby's head in the painting.
A contest entry
- #149 Winklings: Write a poem about a Christmas painting. For AP. by Lyndon.
1750 points, ended January 9, 6 entries
Gold trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Comments
1 - 10 of 10
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Congratulations Marcy!
This was totally stamped GOLD.
Superb musing all around: verse, graphic and biblical quote, great show!
Let the ink flow!
love and blessings, Sandi
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Congratulations, Marcy ...
on this beautiful Gold! It is such a reassuring reminder. Well done!
Love
Myra
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Bravo
beautifully conceived and executed
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Wonderful.
Originality scores highly, here, with me. The painting from the Italian master and the first gospel text are yoked as one in a beautiful and tightly-knit poem. I understand quite well the subtle nuances of both painting and poem.
Your title is apt; the first line invites us into a true homily. The appeal at the end is poetic but also the image in the yoke metaphor clinches the Christian message.
Excellent, poet. 
Ron.
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Wonderful.
You always have such beautiful metre in your poems. This one is particularly good with its rhyme and its Christian tone. I like it a lot.
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How beautiful this is my friend!! I have read so many Christmas pieces about animals this season and they all have warmed my heart. Good luck in the contest dear.
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I am a sucker for animal poems, and Christmas carols and this combines the two very neatly. I wonder if you've read this one by Thomas Hardy? It's worth a look. We should all share each other's burdens if we can.
http://rmadisonj.blogspot.com/2008/12/christmas-eve_6494.html -
What a beautiful painting and wonderful Christmas Poem.
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Yoke
Is that the chain around the neck of the ox. He gives to Jesus his sacred amulet. I also like the warmth of the Ox's breath that's very comforting, however I'm sure it may have smelt a bit strange. Still that's nothing compared to a sweaty nappy. This poem is very cute and I hope it wins. Good one EA.
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