Three Little Magi

Three little Magi, as I follow you
I find again the world of wonder through
The shops festooned with stars that blaze and blink--
Brighter the shining stars that dance and twink
Within the blue of your exploring eyes--
Humbly I follow who am Grandma-wise.
While watching your rapt faces, your small hands
Caressing gifts with awe, on quiet sands
Of Galilee I walk with One adoring
And blessing little children. My heart outpouring
With love acclaims the Christmas miracle--

Three little Magi, with their beautiful,
Sweet marveling, their radiant reverence,
Lead me through wonder trails of innocence.

The Colored Sergeant

(Buried at Arlington)

Now soldier, sleep among the honored dead!

A place you earned through your great sacrifice.

Mourn not that you were first denied a bed

Among the lesser honored, nor the price

You paid--your all--to save democracy.

A King, the Son of God, was once denied;

And death but gave Him immortality.

So shall you live! You too were crucified

To rise to greater glory. We shall bring

You lilies with red roses--dark and light--

To place beside you as our offering,--

For though your skin be dark, your soul is white.

Sleep on in peace, honored as any other,

For He with nail-pierced hands calls you His brother.