Joseph and the Turtle Doves

Joseph and the
Turtle Doves

   One nested
   within each upturned palm,
   he held them
   as if to loft them into flight,
   soft warm breasts
   rapidly beating within,
   as below the extended belly
   of Mary that first morning
   she let his coarse hand
   feel with fingers extended
   the heartbeat and head
   turned downward
   toward pubic line,
   soft and unmistakably
   private to her yet--the
   intimacy of that moment
   of heart pulse
   that had made him
   unmistakably father.
   But instead of
   lofting the cooing doves
   into flight, reluctantly
   he handed them over
   as offering,
   as if already he knew Jesus
   would one day be bound
   over as sacrifice.
   Flight--flight would come,
   but it would be
   their flight, his and his
   true turtle doves,
   hidden beneath an angel's
   cape toward Egypt.

--Chet Corey

Bloomington, Minn.

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