He made the robin; He made the swallow; His deft hands moulding the shape to His mood, The thrush and the lark and the finch to follow, And laughed to see that His work was good. He Who has given men gift of laughter, Made in His image; He fashioned fit The blink of the owl and the stork thereafter, The little wren and the long-tailed tit. He spent in the making His wit and fancies; The wing-feathers He fashioned them strong; Deft and dear as daisies and pansies, He crowned His work with the gift of song. “Dearlings,” He said, “make songs for my praises!” He tossed them loose to the sun and the wind, Airily sweet as pansies and daisies; He taught them to build a nest to their mind. The dear Lord God of His glories weary-- Christ our Lord had the heart of a boy-- Made Him birds in a moment merry, Bade them soar and sing for His joy. THE MAN OF THE HOUSE BY KATHERINE TYNAN Joseph, honoured from sea to sea, This is your name that pleases me, “Man of the House.” I see you rise at the dawn and light The fire and blow till the flame is bright. I see you take the pitcher and carry The deep well-water for Jesus and Mary. You knead the corn for the bread so fine, Gather them grapes from the hanging vine. There are little feet that are soft and slow, Follow you whithersoever you go. There’s a little face at your workshop door, A little one sits down on your floor: Holds His hands for the shavings curled, The soft little hands that have made the world. Mary calls you: the meal is ready: You swing the Child to your shoulder steady. I see your quiet smile as you sit And watch the little Son thrive and eat. The vine curls by the window space, The wings of angels cover the face. Up in the rafters, polished and olden, There’s a Dove that broods and his wings are golden. You who kept Them through shine and storm, A staff, a shelter kindly and warm, Father of Jesus, husband of Mary, Hold us your lilies for sanctuary! Joseph, honoured from sea to sea, Guard me mine and my own roof-tree, “Man of the House”! COELO ET IN TERRA BY THOMAS WALSH