christmas kicks

her water breaks
across the back
of a middle eastern ass.
darkness
wraps itself
around her skin
but gives no
warmth.

christmas kicks.

his lips quiver
sylllables
of plea
of prayer
he fumbles
his shawl
to warm his wife.

yahweh
you
who dangle
the universe
now dangle history
in this shivering
virgin womb

only thirteen.