As Herod the King, not loving thy appearing, Shall we, when Magi tell us thou hast come, decree A massacre of babes; and in blind and willful Destruction, mark our mad way with the red blossoms Of martyrdom; until Rama is a land of tears And Rachel unconsoled weeps for her children? Since it was not God's will that the babe should perish, The foster-father a dreamer, was angel-warned; "Hearken! Arise! take the young child and his mother; Flee to Egypt and remain until I bring word; At Herod's death return." Thus the child escaped. Not so the man, whose mission was death in my place. Though he went about doing good, teaching and healing; I followed to betray; and after his arrest, Cried: "Give us Barabbas! Crucify him! Crucify!" He died for his sheep, deserted, though prophets sang: "And thou Bethlehem, Land of Judah, Art in no wise least among the princes of Judah, For out of thee shall come forth a ruler, Who shall be shepherd of thy people Israel."
For His chosen of the land of Canaan, God made six seas; But low-lying Galilee, skirted by oleander trees, Resting in the bosom--reflecting the emerald hills Of Gennesareth, Valley of Abundance, was God's gift To His son; the place to begin his ministry to men.
Capernaum, on the western shore, where loved to rest Desert-dried camel drivers, traveling to Damascus; Was to the Messiah, nearest home, the place loved best. These homeless wanderers, by sweet visions were elated, Charmed by music of the sea, God had consecrated.
The fisher boats of Bethsaida, manned by forceful men, Pinnaces of Herod, patrols of the Roman nation, Glided over the limpid sea, or rode at their station; While near the vine-clad villas, moored to wave-kissed wall, Cushioned craft rocked sleepily, waiting twilight's call.
To Capernaum, one day, came a man whose face was sad; They should have cried Hosanna! but her people were not glad. A few thrilled with gladness and asked: Who might be he? Wise blind, among them, answered: "Why, a carpenter, he;" And their evil spirits trembled, while gladness lit the sea.
With eyes of gladness, He beheld shepherds guarding the flocks; Husbandmen hedging tender vines about with walls of rocks; And workmen toiling mightily to harvest the ripe grain. With eyes of sadness, He saw man, whom God had made master, Unprotected; straying, shepherdless, courting disaster.