Virginia is for poetry lovers! And Jeanette Cheezum’s poetry could turn anyone into a poetry lover! What say we take a road trip to Virginia, readers? What? Holidays? Right, right. OK. Another time. For now we’ll just have to keep reading the work of these fabulous Virginia writers. Today it’s specifically Jeanette, whose recent work has drawn high praise. Today Jeanette takes us into an ancient story and gives us a street-level view of how it might have gone. Read this exquisite poem and revel in what the ancient stories can do for your creativity.
A Prince of Peace
By Jeanette Cheezum
Hatred lounged in the crooked
branches of streets filled with
scum and unbelievers. The moonless
sky kept their lowly secrets.
Hush baby! A young girl wrapped
the swaddling blanket to keep him warm.
I name thee Moses, my son. You will be
powerful, and your name on many a tongue.
Humiliating circumstances hover around them.
She watches him disappear down
the river to unknown places. “God be
with you,” she whispers.
“Will I see him again? No matter it’s
here he would die if I kept him.
I saw it in a dream from Jehovah. Go forth
and be heard.” His long journey began.
