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| St. Joseph the Carpenter, by Georges de La Tour, 1640s. |
Blame God for undervalued fatherhood—or blame Christian biblical stories thatomit Dad from Jesus Christ’s life: Josephis invisible, thus, human father-hood is nowhere, and tenderness—displayedby silent Josephs in nativityscenes everywhere—is unremarked ratherthan marked as Exceptional, Desirable.Thank God that Joseph accepted Marydespite doubt and rumor, loved and caredfor wife and child. Thank God for hiswillingness to uproot his home, to trustholy bonds, to work and to love children.May Joseph’s spirit grow in everyone.
Posted for my prompt
Poets United Midweek Motif ~ Fathers
Copyright © 2015 S.L.Chast
"...tenderness—displayed / by silent Josephs in nativity"...love the reverence expressed here and the prayerful end...you've truly captured the spirit of fatherhood.....
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry Susan for not being able to comment on other poems as I can't see the links...
Susan, this is an exceptional piece of work.. I so enjoyed reading this beautiful poem of yours :D
ReplyDeleteThank God for his
willingness to uproot his home, to trust
in holy bonds, to work and love children.
May Joseph’s spirit grow in everyone.
I so appreciate the message at the end.. Amen :D
Lots of love,
Sanaa
Amen to your closing line and the rest...you've voiced so well some of the thoughts that I've thought before...thank you for this important father poem, Susan.
ReplyDeleteThank you! As a stepfather, I identify with Joseph, and his silent, unmentioned sacrifice. Your poem is a wonderful tribute.
ReplyDeleteThe father image at its best. Fathers get high regards more from daughters than the sons. True in many instances. Great, Susan!
ReplyDeleteHank
Interesting perspective and the way you make us think, certainly works, well done.
ReplyDeleteOh I love the direction you went with this. Tenderness in fatherhood is so beautiful to see. Loved this, Susan!
ReplyDeleteI never thought of that first stanza - interesting perspective. Love the way you tie it up and makes me wonder how Mary's own father reacted. Nice,Susan
ReplyDeleteLove how the poem changes direction - and what a great blessing you end on too!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fascinating take on the prompt, Susan. I agree that we all need a bit of Joseph's spirit. I can bet there are qualities about Joseph that have never been written about! I picture him as an exceptional man.
ReplyDeleteTenderness, love and giving. Thank God for fathers who possess these qualities!
ReplyDeleteWhat is so remarkable about Joseph was that he trusted his wife and was happy for her to bear his children.
ReplyDeleteTrue...the story of Joseph is low impact. Interesting point you make. He is the role model for a gentle quiet unassuming man.
ReplyDeleteI think nobody must have thought this way.....very true....
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your poem.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful piece - uniquely and carefully written...yes, i think you are right in saying that fathers are overlooked in their ability to be caretakers and provide unconditional love
ReplyDeleteYes the example Joseph gives is one that many men fail to follow.
ReplyDeleteSusan,
ReplyDeleteI truly liked this perspective about fatherhood and the absence, as far as we can know, of Joseph, from the life of Jesus. I suspect that his role was that of a quiet, supporting father; although, little is really known.
Eileen
What a fabulous take on the prompt, Susan...How neatly you used the picture of Jesus as father. This 'divine father's love continues to reach out to his children... Phenomenal work!
ReplyDeleteYes, I agree.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful poem, Susan. I believe Joseph's example is followed by some very good fathers (but also mothers) - those who adopt children and love them and care for them as if they were their own children.
ReplyDelete