The Tinner's Rabbits

The Tinner’s Rabbits

Marly Youmans

In ancient China, “the three hares” motif symbolized 
a meeting of heaven and earth, while in medieval 
Devon churches, it appeared as the Trinity—also 
a meeting of heaven and earth.
—Astrophel Jones

In water meadows, seas, and stars,
A gleaming wheel of rabbits rolls
And sings of triune mystery,
Their interlocking shapes a dance
Of three in one and one in three.

When carved or cast, these avatars
Seem joy—the leaping rabbit-souls
Revolving without force or hurry,
As if in some delightful trance
Of merriment and jubilee.

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Marly Youmans
Poet & Novelist

Marly’s most recent book of poetry is The Book of the Red King (Montreal: Phoenicia Publishing, 2019.) Her brand new novel is Charis in the World of Wonders (San Francisco: Ignatius Press, 2020.) Find her on Twitter, Facebook, or www.thepalaceat2.blogspot.com.

Photography by Clay Banks