The Little Bird of Bethlehem

The Little Bird of Bethlehem

Our Lady and St. Joseph came to Bethlehem of old

And sought for them a refuge for the night was very cold.

St. Joseph knocked upon the door, but, much to his dismay,

The landlord grunted “There is no room!” and sent them both away.

 

But, as the darkness gathered and adorned them with a chill, 

The stillness of the silent night was pierce-ed by a trill.

From the bosom of the winter sky a small bird did descend,

Alighted on Our Lady’s arm, then hastened down the wynd.

 

St. Joseph took his lady’s arm and led her through the night

Along the path the little bird had shown them in his flight.

Their feathered shepherd led them to the outer part of town.

He circled twice around a cave and then did sit him down.

 

St. Joseph peered into the cave and saw to his delight

A place where he and Mary could take shelter for the night.

Amidst the bleating sheep and cattle lowing so forlorn, 

The King of Kings and Lord of Lords had chosen to be born.

 

St. Joseph turned to thank the bird for showing them the way,

But found instead a shining light where once the bird did lay.

And from that light a brilliant beam stretched to the sky afar;

St. Joseph look-ed heavenward and there beheld a Star.

Original Poetry