JOSEPH
My older cousins got here first
and even filled the shed,
but uncle says he’s got a cave
where we can lay our heads.
He cleaned it out, but had no other
place to put his ewe,
but that’s okay, we’ll be alright;
we’ll leave ‘fore Mary’s due.
JUDEAN
Aha! The gods have smiled on me;
The gov’ner’s called the mouths to me
and I will feed them for a fee!
Oh, bring the hungry men to me.
They’ll pay for nuts at twice the price
and sleep behind my stall.
Ah, David, it’s a providence
that softer beds are full.
It’s money time, salvation’s here,
the night is swelling loud.
I hear that some are even
letting stables to this crowd.
SHEPHERD
I’m glad we’re on the suburb hills
beyond the city’s walls,
For, though the thrum and music drifts,
it’s quieter, all-in-all.
And here of course we see more stars –
their gentle, painted light –
Yes, this we have, and richer sleep –
not so the urbanite.
But now! What terror, growing star
is falling to the ground!
An angel and a heav’nly host!
So bright and closing round!
And so at last God’s wrath has come
to splay us on these rocks.
As payment for our daily sins
He’ll feast upon our flocks.
ANGEL
No, no, dear man, be calm and still:
Fear not, for you dear men,
are first to hear our news of joy
that lands in Bethlehem.
Within that town, that bustling place,
there comes a treasure true;
“The heel that crushes and is bit”
is given now to you.
Look down into the yellow streets
beyond the loud bazaar,
and find a babe in cloth and trough
beneath the newest star.
Then rising in the skies they sang:
All glory be to God
and peace to all with whom he’s pleased
upon this earthen sod.
Now running through the town they found
that blessed stable ward
with newborn child, Emmanuel,
Jesus Christ the Lord.
Joe Spring writes 