It does not take very long
for a girl to become a mother:
months quickly pass, and then
the joy of a new life
and the claims of a new task
in which she knows
God's gift.

It does not take very long
for God to make his meaning clear:
your foes, not many months in disarray,
invite the vengeful meddling
of neighbour states
in which you may see, if you will,
God's judgment.

Nor very long, at the last,
for God to come among us:
a few centuries, a maiden,
half a year and half again,
and then a son
in whom you may see, if you will,
God's face.