A-Poem-a-Day

Until Resurrection Day

Some of my poems apply to both

Christmastime & Easter.

This is one of them...

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 his son 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