Bob Chilcott (b. 1955)
Jesus! Christus! Natus! In the manger of my body leaps the
tiny child, and his breath is the word – the dance of God.
Corpus! Beatus! Peregrinus! Natus! In the ocean of my head
the steadfast ship rides tide and storm on its pilgrim crossing.
Oceanus! In the orchard of my heart springs the singing
tree. Its root is faith and its sweet fruit charity.
Cor! Arbor! Amor! Riding ship, springing tree, and in the
manger leaps the child, who is the word, the dance of God. (Kevin
Crossley-Holland)
