Papa Poet

This poem imagines the thoughts of Joseph as he and Mary journey toward Bethlehem.  I wrote and presented this poem in 2003 as part of a Christmas Eve service.  My poem accompanied two other original works, one from Mary’s perspective and one from God’s.

Bethlehem’s Road

Betrothed
I’ll say and nothing more,
ignore the innuendos and stony glares
enclothed in offal adoration.

Then who will
redeem the grievous penalty? I,
and I alone, bear her secret,
believe an know the truth.
A virgin.  With child.  From God.

Here on
Judea’s road I see a God-filled womb,
a Mary-borne Messiah, a created creator
creating Sharon’s perfect sweet rose.

And I,
neither husband nor father walk
in wonder of Jehovah, both
from garden to garden and
from life to death to life again
I AM.

Behold
the light of Bethlehem,
the City of David come to welcome
the light of the world,
the Messiah, and Mary,
and me.