BETHLEHEM

At an inconvenient time
Mary travelled to Bethlehem
And, on arrival, found no room –
Only a stable in which to
Stay. But the animals, used to
Seeing birth, warmed the cold air with
Their rhythmic breath, gave her hay to
Lie on, their manger in which to
Place her child and guarded the door
Against the elements of night.

It was inconvenient when
Three Kings came unannounced looking
For a child, not questioning where
The bright star they had followed stopped,
As they knew the significance
Of the star they saw in the East.
But the story of their coming
Has slipped into legend, as the
Animals blocked the exit so they
Returned home by another way.