When Joseph went to Bethlehem

I think he took great care

To place his tools and close his shop

And leave no shavings there.

He urged the donkey forward,

Then, with Mary on its back,

And carried bread and goat cheese

In a little linen sack.


I think there at the busy inn

That he was meek and milk

And awed to be the guardian

Of Mary's sacred Child.

Perhaps all through the chilly hours

He smoothed the swaddling bands,

And Jesus felt the quiet strength of

Joseph's gentle hands.


And close beside the manger bed

He dimmed the lantern's light,

And held the little Jesus close upon

That holy night.