Scriptures Reworked: Jesus to Paolo model social justice

This December 25th, celebrate the model of diversity that was the nativity:

A single, homeless mum gives birth
in a byre to 
a middle-eastern visionary,
supported by
a companion and future step dad for her son;
witnessed by blue collar workers and crofters,
in the middle of a political storm,
and honoured for her courage
by three wise astrophysicists from
three distinct cultures,
travelling without fossil fuels.
The animals provided heat for the night,
and the single,
homeless
mother is celebrated
for her rigour for 
centuries.

This December 25th, celebrate difference, and the courage it takes to ameliorate oppression.

“The more radical the person is, the more fully s/he enters into reality so that it can be transformed. This person is not afraid to confront, to listen, to see the world unveiled. This person is not afraid to enter into a dialogue with all people.” ~Paulo Freire, Pedagogy of the Oppressed

Scriptures Reworked: 'Better to give than to receive?'

'It is better to give than to receive' (Acts 20:35) is what we are told.
'Share.' 'Be thankful.' 'There are those less fortunate.'

How does this make one feel when you cannot give?
When a mother cannot buy food;
when she cannot clothe her children;
when she cannot find work.
What worth has she then, when the need is real?

'It is better to give than to receive,' said the man.
The woman on the street looked on.
If it is not better to receive than what are they
in poverty, those who have been left desolate
because of war or migration; violence or
racism?

'It is better to give than to receive,' she heard.
She looked around her empty house,
bare floors and cupboards;
tea, some rice.
Holes in the walls,
and the socks. 
She was not a giver.

Is it not better to receive? Is there not courage,
hardiness, a resilience in asking?
Acknowledging there is need.
That without receiving one might starve;
their children will never know self worth.
This Christmas, know
that it takes spirit and strength to receive.

Rising Damp

Because of the damp, it was undervalued;
floors like a thick jelly, and
nine years of wallpaper
a mossy flower
yogurt violets
orange rinds
thick bruising cornflowers
drooping off of the walls like a
boneless used car man,
swinging his hot air,
arms over room
and silky carpets.

Because of the damp, the water rising
was undervalued,
cleaning, filling and reclaiming what
once belonged to it.
Allowing  glue and nails and
lino to reconnect with their earth,
 ancient descendants of
plant and rock and
wood they were, and became again.

Because of the damp, the croft, walls
slow moving seascapes were valued,
noticed,
stood tall and rose up.
People pondered.