In the recent past ...
...
A Difficult Season
This is a most difficult season. We’ve traveled a distance this year.
I’m growing increasingly worried. My dear wife and I are in fear.
Our journey has been quite a hard one, and others have passed us in haste,
If we are to find some comfort, we haven’t a moment to waste.
But she could give birth any minute. This motion is not a good thing.
We’ll need to rest long when we get there, and we’ll need all the coin we can bring.
This traveling back to my hometown, means that I and my child will share,
This place of birth and our kinship, with others who dwell about there.
The town is decidedly crowded. There’s not a room to be had.
The innkeeper lets us take shelter, in a stable nearby. It’s not bad.
The earthy smells are a comfort, somewhat like a scent of new wood.
As a carpenter, I know I’ll rest easy, if my wife will agree that it’s good.
I would think it could be a bit festive, with a pine bough to sweeten the air,
And a candle or lamp, to keep out the night damp, but I sit on the straw and just stare.
For beyond the smoke of our camp-fires, I can see a bright star in the sky.
The heavens may have their works revealed, but I cannot spare them my eye.
For my wife is finding comfort, in the straw of our rude little space,
And so, like it or not, I’m preparing, to welcome our child in this place.
So a food trough becomes a first cradle, as he comfortably makes it his own,
All swaddled about, with his face shining out, he can reign like a king on his throne.
When I get to a place I can work at, I’ll make a good cradle, and sound.
A carpenter’s son shouldn’t have to accept, some rough sticks in a bad part of town.
NicknamedBob . . . . . . December 16, 2008
I’ve always loved your poetry, Bob. I wish I had a book of it, to console me when life gets to the breaking point.
This one is especially sweet and poignant. Thanks!
‘Face
Very nice, Bob, especially the conclusion!
Well, this has been quite a day, but good morning/evening and happy Tuesday to all.
Thanks, Bob, for the reminder.