* JOE’ S DONKEY *

The harp of night had silver strings,

The moon was low, the stars burned dim,

When from a wood, with roaring wings,

Joe flushed a brace of cherubim.

His eye did bulge at sign so brave

To see the shining angels pass;

Then, happening beside her grave,

He met his dead and buried ass!

She’ d broke a leg and so was slain

And buried here a week ago;

Now, all alive and sound again,

She brayed with joy to welcome Joe!

A holy cross that donkeys bear,

Since Jesus Christ did deign to ride,

The cherubs tempted to repair

That ancient beast in bone and hide.

The harp of morn had golden strings

Ere home they came — Joe’ s ass and he;

And when their neighbours heard these things

They praised the Lord right heartily.