Nativity by Gladys Casely-Hayford

Nativity 

Within a native hut, ere stirred the dawn, 
Unto the Pure One was an Infant born, 
Wrapped in blue lappah that His mother dyed, 
Laid on His father's home-tanned deerskin hide, 
The Babe still slept, by all things glorified. 
Spirits of black bards burst their bonds and sang 
'Peace upon earth' until the heavens rang. 
All the black babies who from earth had fled 
Peeped through the clouds - then gathered round His head, 
Telling of things a baby needs to do, 
When first he opes his eyes on wonder new; 
Telling Him that sleep was sweetest rest, 
All comfort came from His black mother's breast. 
Their gift was Love, caught from the springing sod, 
Whilst tears and laughter were the gifts of God. 
Then all the Wise Men of the past stood forth, 
Filling the air, East, West, and South and North, 
And told Him of the joy that wisdom brings 
To mortals in their earthly wanderings. 
The children of the past shook down each bough, 
Wreathed frangipani blossoms for His brow,
They put pink lilies in His mother's hand, 
And heaped for both the first fruits of the land. 
His father cut some palm fronds, that the air
Be coaxed to zephyrs while He rested there.
Birds trilled their hallelujahs; all the dew 
Trembled with laughter, till the Babe laughed too. 
Black women brought their love so wise, 
And kissed their motherhood into His mother's eyes.

— Gladys Casely-Hayford 

Further Reading:

• Themes in Gladys Casely-Hayford’s “Nativity”
• Content Analysis of Gladys Casely-Hayford’s “Nativity”

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