7.6.7.6.D

Tunes: MERLE’S TUNE, MERIONYDD, SALLEY GARDENS

Good Joseph makes a cradle, 

young Mary plots the way, 

while patiently the donkey

is nibbling on the hay.

Good Joseph prays for safety, 

young Mary loads their things,

while messengers in heaven

are warming up their wings.

*

Good Joseph sweeps a corner,

young Mary tamps the earth,

while up from town the midwife

is hast’ning to the birth.

Good Joseph holds the lantern, 

young Mary labors strong,

while far off sheep and shepherds 

begin to hear a song.

*

Good Joseph rocks the baby,

young Mary starts to sing, 

while cats draped in the rafters 

are watching everything. 

Good Joseph greets the neighbors,

young Mary shows her son,

while women with their baskets

start feeding everyone.

*

The lords of earth are lording,

the tyrants wield their power; 

the rich and sleek are preening, 

the haughty have their hour,

while always and forever,

around, below, above,

our God is busy finding 

the little things to love.