Joseph

Joseph was a forgiving man,
faithful to his bride-to-be,
knowing that the child
within her could not be his.

Did he feel shame that he could not
provide accommodation
for his wife's confinement?
He had not booked ahead.

Joseph was a humble man,
standing aside to allow strangers
to salute the boy's birth. No visitors
shook his hand, slapped his back.

In his quiet way he passed on
the skills of his craft in wood,
aware that the precocious boy
would not continue in his trade.

Joseph was an accepting man,
knowing that when his boy,
his son, called to his father,
it was not to him.

He did more than settle for what he had,
as some men do, aware and afraid
of losing all, becoming adrift.
But then, he had little choice.