by Ann Astell
Two Josephs—one to hold the tiny hand
Of Jesus in His infancy, and one
To lift his lifeless limbs, the legs, the arms
Of Jesus cold on Calvary, the Son
Of Mary and of God. The same by name—
The carpenter of Nazareth who gave
A home to Him, and he whose stone-carved tomb
Would house His body in a garden’s grave.
Two Josephs there at Mary’s side—the first
A father, wrapping Him in swaddling clothes,
The second man a mourner, shrouding Him
In linen, white and long, left when He rose—
At Joseph’s death, the Lord stood at his side,
So Joseph came again, when Jesus died—
