A Christmas Poem

"The Donkey"

A decree was issued by Caesar Augustus

For folk to be counted by means of a census.

My task was to carry from Galilee Joseph’s young wife, Mary,

All the way to Bethlehem,

To be counted, all of them.

Mary was a virgin the chosen one

To soon give birth to Jesus, the Lord God’s Son…

After we entered Bethlehem I was led to a crowded inn.

Quietly I stood, Joseph held the reins,

He sought shelter for Mary had pains.

No room in there-but we were able 

To spend the night in a nearby stable.

I settled down amongst oxen and sheep;

Exhausted I soon fell fast asleep…

Several hours went by when I heard a new-born’s cry.

Held by Joseph for Mary to see was a lustily crying boy baby

His mother’s face showed her great joy

As in swaddling cloths she wrapped her boy…

Above the stable shone a star so bright;

Shining gloriously, it lit up the night.

The Heavens opened and all around 

Angels sang; such a glorious sound!

Shepherds watched in great fright; they’d never seen such a sight!

Joyful tidings for peace on earth

Were heard that night of the Saviour’s birth.

I felt so proud-I felt so honoured

That I was the donkey that had carried Mary upon it!

I wanted to praise Him so I started to bray…

And as the sun rose to mark His first day,

Mary tenderly laid Jesus to sleep on the hay.

© Glenys Robyn Hicks

And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:7