Before the Journey to Bethlehem

A-Poem-a-Day Until Christmas

Photo credit: mattstone.blogs.com

BEFORE THE JOURNEY

Sitting quietly in the dim glow of an oil lamp

trying to get comfortable

in the sturdy wooden arm chair

made by her carpenter husband

Mary rests both hands

upon her taut, round stomach

and smiles at the gentle rumbling within—

The Son of God in utero

Although this is centuries before sonograms

Mary knows her babe is a boy child

and that they are to name Him Jesus—

for an angel told her so

Young and bewildered, she wonders

what her holy Son will look like and be like

if he’ll want to work with wood

She wonders about the cosmic plan

set in motion by her “yes”

and how a savior saves

She dares not dwell too deeply

upon what lies ahead

and why so lowly a maiden as she

would be highly favored

by the Lord her God

but she trusts Him

…and she’s obedient

Joseph is a good man—

She watches as he sands smoothly

the fine cradle he is building

and appreciates that he stands by her

shielding her from questions, innuendos

finger-pointers and gossip mongers

Their donkey is tied outside

the humble dwelling in Nazareth

She hears it braying and nuzzling at the door

It’ll go with them tomorrow

on their journey to Bethlehem

where they must register

for the census

She sighs, thinking of the long

arduous journey

especially in her condition

Well, I’d better get some rest

she tells Joseph

as she rises awkwardly from the chair

and carries the lamp closer

to where her husband is working

I’ve packed a bundle of swaddling clothes

…just in case

Maude Carolan Pych

***ANNOUNCEMENT***

Mark your calendar: The next poetry event will take place Saturday, December 17th, 7 p.m., at the ANT Bookstore & Cafe, 345 Clifton Avenue, Clifton, NJ. I will be joined by two poet/friends, Pastor EJ Emerson and Sister Jane Abeln, SMIC. Holiday music will be provided by Victoria Warne, Peter DiBella, Rikki Woods and Lidya Diaz. An open mic period will follow. Come, enjoy the festivities and the Christmas cookies, too! James Gwyn and Victoria Warne host this popular event on the third Saturday evening of each month.