Magi-cal Thinking

“We Three Kings” is largely awry.
Old John Hopkins gave it a try,
Often guessing, sometimes messing
Up with a goof or lie.

First, they were magi, hardly kings,
Known to study stars and things.
In his version, they’re not Persian
But Far Eastern as one sings.

We don’t even know there were three.
While the listed gifts may agree
With the Bible, no reliable
Head count is there to see.

Still, Hopkins got the symbols right:
Gold for kingship, myrrh for plight,
Incense rising, advertising
Here was God within their sight.