Summary: A short reading of "Descent" by Malcolm Guite, from Kindlingsfest 2014. "Descent" is published in The Singing Bowl and also recorded as a song Descent - Good Company - The Songs of Steve Bell. Here is the full poem: They sought to soar into the skies, Those classic gods of high renown, For lofty pride aspires to rise, But you came down. You dropped down from the mountains sheer, Forsook the eagle for the dove, The other Gods demanded fear, But you gave love. Where chiseled marble seemed to freeze Their abstract and perfected form, Compassion brought you to your knees, Your blood was warm. They called for blood in sacrifice, Their victims on an altar bled, When no one else could pay the price, You died instead. They towered above our mortal plain, Dismissed this restless flesh with scorn, Aloof from birth and death and pain, But you were born. Born to these burdens, borne by all Born with us all ‘astride the grave,’ Weak, to be with us when we fall, And strong to save.
