Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE TRYST AT BETHLEHEM, by MARY FRANCES MARTIN


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE TRYST AT BETHLEHEM, by                    
First Line: The daily tasks are set aside
Last Line: "my tryst at bethlehem."
Alternate Author Name(s): Cearnach, Conal
Subject(s): Bethlehem, Palestine; Mary. Mother Of Jesus; Travel; Women - Bible; Virgin Mary; Journeys; Trips


The daily tasks are set aside,
The travelers' plans are made,
The kindly-hearted neighbors come
With offering of aid.
"Why goest thou? The wintry wind
Is cold along the track.
I pray thou tarry here with me
Till Joseph cometh back."
The Lily-Maid of Nazareth
Made answer unto them—
"I go," she softly said, "to keep
A tryst at Bethlehem."

"Thou art come o'er late," the steward
Glanced at the humble pair;
"The shepherd's cave on the hillside
Is the only room to spare."
Then as his torch's flash revealed
The Maiden's loveliness—
"Why camest thou, too? The way is long,
Such toil were needlessness."
Gently she put aside her veil,
(It crowned her like diadem)
"And I am come," she said, "to keep
A tryst at Bethlehem."

Waked is the hush of mid-night
With heavenly music sweet,
The lowly cave re-echoes
With ecstasy complete.
Fondly the Holy Mother
Bends over the manger-bed,
She hears the wonder music—
She sees the glory spread.
Clasping the dimpled fingers
And pressing her lips to them—
"Sweet Babe," she crooned, "with Thee I keep
My tryst at Bethlehem."





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