The Cost of Being Joseph, and Loving Mary.

For years U A Fanthorpe wrote a Christmas poem for her friends.

These and other Christmas poems are now gathered in the Collected Poems.

A favourite is the one about Joseph – not because it's great poetry, it isn't – but it is imaginative psychology with just enough theology to hold it together.

And Poussin's painting shows him suitably worried and wondering what in Gabriel's name he's got himself into!

I am Joseph

I am Joseph, carpenter,

Of David’s kingly line,

I wanted an heir; discovered

My wife’s son wasn't mine.

I am an obstinate lover,

Loved Mary for better or worse,

Wouldn't stop loving when I found

Someone Else came first.

Mine was the likeness I hoped for

When the first-born man-child came.

But nothing of him was me. I couldn't

Even choose his name.

I am Joseph, who wanted

To teach my own boy how to live.

My lesson for my foster son:

Endure. Love. Give.