Joseph’s Lullaby

Sleep now, little one.

I’ll watch while you and your mother sleep.

I wish I could do more.

This straw is not good enough for you.

Back in Nazareth I’ll make a proper bed for you

of seasoned wood, smooth, strong, well-pegged.

A bed fit for a carpenter’s son.

Just waith till we get back to Nazareth.

I’ll teach you everything I know.

You’ll learn to choose the cedar wood, eucaylyptus and fir.

You’ll learn to use the drawshave, ax and saw.

Your arms will grow strong, your hands rough – like these.

You will bear the pungent smell of new wood

and wear shavings and sawdust in your hair.

You’ll be a man whose life centers

on hammer and nails and wood.

But for now,

Sleep, little Jesus, sleep.