17 DECEMBER 1994, Page 78

Being Christlike

You did not want to be Christlike. Though your Father Was your God and there was no other, you did not Want to be Christlike. Though you walked In the love of your Father. Though you stared At the stranger your Mother.

What had she to do with you But tempt you from your Father?

When her great hooded eyes lowered Their moon so close Promising the earth you saw Your fate and you cried Get thee behind me. You did not Want to be Christlike. You wanted To be with your Father In wherever he was. And your body Barred your passage. And your family Which were your flesh and blood Burdened it. And a god That was not your Father Was a false god. But you did not Want to be Christlike.

Ted Hughes