XXXVI
THE GOSPEL

Matthew gave it a human head,
Luke the torso of a bull, Mark the claws
of a lion and John wings like those
of an eagle. It was born on a morning

of dense fog when pure light
streamed out of God over hills
and valleys, though it was veiled by a mist
that made some sick but others were healed.

Because it is the incarnation of that angel
who in heaven bears the name of Sphinx,
who amid the splendor of golden clouds

seems to be the God of love and wrath,
and the light of mystery rises up but never
touches the One who is hidden within it.