Gail White 

Christmas On Rhodes 

What am I doing here with all these Greeks?
Hoping, perhaps, at midnight Christmas Eve,
the unintelligible tongue God speaks
will summon even those who don’t believe
to Mary’s manger.  Now the Virgin bears
the Master in the cave.  As light through glass
he passes from her body.  Joseph dares
believe the story; I can let it pass.
The incense rises like the church’s breath
into the frosty air.  This night of birth
swells to a tide that tosses me past death;
but tides recede.  I know this moment’s worth:
If love of beauty were the same as faith,
I’d walk in heaven with my feet on earth.

Spoken By A Ghost

I’m here beside you, but it’s not the same.
I’m out of time, although I’m still in space.
If only you would call me by my name,

I’d step out like a portrait from its frame
And we could look each other in the face.
I’m here beside you, but it’s not the same

As when I was alive.  We’ve lost the game
That lovers play while they can still embrace.
If only you would call me by my name,

I could respond.  My dear, I’m not to blame
If you keep looking in an empty place.
I’m here beside you, but it’s not the same

For you, I know.  There’s nothing to inflame
Your love in me, nothing to spark the chase.
If only you would call me by my name –

But it’s too late.  I’m sorry that I came.
I didn’t know death was so commonplace.
I’m here beside you, but it’s not the same.
If only you would call me by my name.