THE CHRIST-CHILD

By SAINT GREGORY OF NAREK

(951–1009)

The lips of the Christ-child are like to twin leaves;

They let roses fall when he smiles tenderly.

The tears of the Christ-child are pearls when he grieves;

The eyes of the Christ-child are deep as the sea.

Like pomegranate grains are the dimples he hath,

And clustering lilies spring up in his path.

Translated by Alice Stone Blackwell.