I began my life the day Joseph was born
Planted by his father
In honor of his child’s birth
Growing together through the sands of time
We spent so many years together
As he shared his dreams
Learned his trade
And came to understand his fate
Father to the Father’s child
Husband to the blessed woman
Builder of homes
Artist of ancient craft
I watched near the end of my life
As my seeds were gathered and carefully stored
Waiting for the day which they would be planted
And new life would grow in my place
Then my end came
My flesh used to create a place
Crafted as a last act of Creation
Of a man’s unnoticed life’s work
From standing tall in the field
To holding back the cold of the night
I was turned into a home for livestock
Yet became shelter for the one true Lamb
I remember he didn’t cry that night
When he came into this world
Simply laid with a sweet expression
Of the peace and love He came to give
Two generations of my family line
Two lifetimes of growth in the harsh angry world
I was the one who had it easy
As my fate was to welcome him here on that cold dark night.
J.Rhett Lively 