In a Stable

Photo by Batang Latagaw on Unsplash

Mary wasn’t softly glowing;
I am sure the pain was showing.
Joseph must have felt so helpless,
Far from home, alone and friendless.

Mary’s hair was damp with sweat,
Full of hay; no coronet
Rested on her tangled tresses;
No painted face, no pretty dresses.

Likely, walls and roof weren’t new;
Chills and drafts run ‘round and through;
Smells of animals and fodder:
Not a setting great with honour.

Baby Jesus likely cried:
Awkward, cold, dissatisfied.
Shepherds, kings, came to revere,
But there was else than perfect cheer.

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