I have often wondered about many of the minor characters in the Bible especially the New Testament. As some of my friends may know I have written about some of them. The last was about the woman with the bleeding sickness: Mark 5: 25- 34 you can read that poem here: https://www.classicalpoets.org/if-i-could-but-touch-his-hem-a-poem-by-rohini-sunderam/

For the past few days this thought has been buzzing in my head. How did Joseph feel? After all he was a man in a strongly male-oriented society. He was marrying a woman who was already ‘with child’. He agreed. But he must have had doubts. Was he being conned by this whole ‘immaculate conception’ story? So here it is. What do you think?

Joseph prays

My Lord, my Lord, I know I’m old
And duty-bound to thee
To the virgin Mary, I am sold
The Queen of Galilee?

How can she a virgin be
My Lord, I ask of thee
The child she bears, she claims,
Is yours, my Lord, how can this be?

And am I then a cuckold fool
Oh Lord please answer me
Or dare I hope that I’m a tool
In your plan for eternity?

I need a sign my precious Lord
Please give a sign to me
We’re walking through a green orchard 
And now she wants cherries.

Oh Lord, I swear, in rage I swear
Oh Lord, forgive me, please
“Let the father of the baby, dare
To gather your cherries!”

Oh Lord, I thank you Lord indeed
For now, before my eyes
The tallest branch it bends to feed
Cherries, until she sighs.

Her cravings are then satisfied
I thank you, Abba Lord
For now, I know she is your bride
Of that I am assured!

And through this earthly journey, then
My wife she shall remain 
For somewhere in your vast, great plan
My name a place will gain.

And I shall take a backward stance
For salvation’s in her womb
I’ll never take a backward glance
For her sorrow’s in His tomb.

My role is merely as a dad
A constant figure, true
Another rock, for that I’m glad
My thanks, dear God to you.