The Carpenter’s Soliloquy

by Sch. Noel Y. Bava, SJ

What marvel! What terror is this?
The hands that knew nay gentleness
From many a lumber caressed
Be made to touch a Baby blessed?

Ere my arms did tug close timbers
Cuddles now a child that shivers—
In howling gale o’ harried winter—
My heart, in joy an’ grief, asunder

What blessing, and oh, what curse!
In feeble mind and soul I purse?
To be father, not begetter
Of a child mine, and yet never?

But when I look into his eyes
That yet to see, my anguish dies
And that cherubic yawn he makes
Away! All my horrors he takes

Ah! What death and also what birth?
What sorrow to surcease the mirth
Of proclaiming to be silent
And being silent to lament

O God, O Lord and co-Father!
Look down, forgive me woodworker
Prithee, poor carpenter, I am
Serve Thee, the Infant in my arm…

Dec. 11, 2004