star of wonder

i wonder . . .

as she cleaned up
the barn,
packing for the trip
(to God-only-knows-where)
was Mary muttering
under her breath,
'men!
they couldn't have
brought diapers,
or given us
a crib?'

as he pulled
and begged the donkey
to stand still while
the bags were loaded on,
did Joseph think,
'wise?
they couldn't figure out
i could have used
a new power drill,
or at least some
of that Persian hardwood
that is rarely in the store?'

when we reach out
to gift those in need,
are we wise enough
to provide what
they really need,
a job,
child care,
a clinic,
a friend?

i wonder . . .

(c) 2008 Thom M. Shuman