A Stick, a Carrot and String

the Horse's hay beneath his head
our Lord was born to a manger bed
that all whose wells run dry
could drink of his supply
to keep him warm the Sheep drew near,
so grateful for his coming here:
You come with news of grace,
come to take my place!

the Donkey whispered in his ear:
Child, in thirty-some-odd years,
you'll ride someone who looks like me
(untriumphantly)

while the Cardinals warbled a joyful song:
He'll make right what man made wrong
Bringing low the hills
that the valley might be filled!
then Child, asked the birds,
well, aren't they lovely words we sing?

the tiny Baby lay there
without saying anything

at a distance stood a mangy Goat
with crooked teeth and a matted coat,
weary eyes and worn, chipped & twisted horns
thinking:
Maybe I'll make friends some day
with the Cows in the pens and the Rambouillet,
but for now I'll keep away -
I got nothin' smart to say
but there's a sign on the barn in the Cabbagetown:

WHEN THE RAIN PICKS UP
AND THE SUN GOES DOWN,
SINNER, COME INSIDE!
WITH NO MONEY, COME AND BUY
NO CLEVER TALK NOR GIFT TO BRING
REQUIRES OUR LOWLY, LOVELY KING
COME, ALL EMPTYHANDED
YOU DON'T NEED ANYTHING

the night was cool and clear as glass
with a sneaking Snake in the garden grass
Deep cried out to Deep,
the Disciples, fast asleep
the snake perked up when he heard you ask:

if You're willing that this cup might pass
I could find my way back home,
maybe start a family all my own...but
does not the Father guide the Son?
not my will but Yours be done!
what else here to do?
what else me but You???

and the snake who'd held the world,
a stick, a carrot and a string
was crushed beneath the Foot of
Your not wanting
anything