Today’s Lenten Meditation

A-Poem-a-Day

Until Resurrection Day

Image credit: cndajin.com

WOOD & NAILS

I.

His splintered hands sand silky smooth

every ding and bump and groove;

then Joseph measures every piece—

hammers nailheads with expertise.

He's built fine cradles, but this one

is extra-special. It's for his Son.

He moves Babe Jesus from the trough

to the cradle; He's swaddled, soft.

The manger scene, quaint and lowly

now more befits One Who's holy.

Joseph, years hence will reap a thrill—

he'll teach the boy carpentry skills.

II.

Shoved on crossbeams, Jesus' body.

Crude wood. Workmanship is shoddy.

Men grab His wrists. They pound the nails.

They watch Him wince; His color pales.

They lift the Cross; taunt till He dies.

The air is pierced by women's cries.

The sky grows dark. The dry earth quakes.

O hear the hissing of the Snake…

Then…

Holy of Holies veil is torn—

Sin is atoned! Salvation born!

God’s Master Plan, now understood—

began and ends with nails and wood.

Maude Carolan