"Practice Incarnation" - a poem

Practice Incarnation
by Kevin Book-Satterlee

Once said a mad farmer
in his revolutionary stance
to save simplicity,
“Practice resurrection.”
To practice is to first die,
risk not being revived
and letting it all be, ok.
To resurrect is to come from darkness
emerged still with scars
and to remain with the very people
that sought death.

Practice resurrection.

Forgot, however, did the mad farmer,
in his revolutionary stance
to save simplicity,
to practice incarnation.

Let the soddy shoes of the poor
walk you the dark alleys
where help may be needed.
Find God in their eyes.
Practice incarnation.

Let the sores of the young boy-soldier
be healed by your caring hands
where you risk infection,
and suffer with the consequences of his sin.
Practice incarnation.

Learn the mother tongue of the pastor,
and learn from him
how God moves within his context.
Praise God with him and celebrate in new tongue.
Practice incarnation.

Take the form of a new child in
chilly December months.
Helpless, rely solely on a Father.
Let His breath wash over and warm your heart.
Practice incarnation.