A Bray in a Manger
(dedicated to babies)Was it a silent night at all?
Was Mary driven up the wall?
Did Joseph start to feel quite cross
with - not a mule and not a hoss -
it was a donkey bellowing,
the first that taught our Lord to sing.
Or did the donkey and the child
we’re told was gentle, meek and mild,
give operatics each to each,
taking their turns to yell and screech?
I’ve never met a baby who
could make less noise than donkeys do.
It is a gift each child doth hold;
two lungs whose volume wins them gold
in every stable singing match.
They rattle rafters, shake the thatch.
Aloft they raise their aria,
and lo! it’s heard both near and far.
In pictures, donkey, cow and sheep
all gaze at Jesus in his sleep.
The night outside is wrapped around
the quiet stable; peace is found.
I wonder if they show it true,
or if Jesus was more like you.
Was Mary driven up the wall?
Did Joseph start to feel quite cross
with - not a mule and not a hoss -
it was a donkey bellowing,
the first that taught our Lord to sing.
Or did the donkey and the child
we’re told was gentle, meek and mild,
give operatics each to each,
taking their turns to yell and screech?
I’ve never met a baby who
could make less noise than donkeys do.
It is a gift each child doth hold;
two lungs whose volume wins them gold
in every stable singing match.
They rattle rafters, shake the thatch.
Aloft they raise their aria,
and lo! it’s heard both near and far.
In pictures, donkey, cow and sheep
all gaze at Jesus in his sleep.
The night outside is wrapped around
the quiet stable; peace is found.
I wonder if they show it true,
or if Jesus was more like you.
This poem is copyright (©) Liz Kendall 2025

About the Writer
Liz Kendall
Liz Kendall writes poetry for adults and children. Her co-authored hardback Meet Us and Eat Us: Food plants from around the world celebrates biodiversity in poetry, prose, and fine art photography. Publications include Candlestick Press, The Hedgehog Poetry Press, Flights, Allegro, The Dirigible Balloon, Thimble Lit Mag, Amethyst Review and Lighten Up Online. Find her online at theedgeofthewoods.uk, @rowansarered on Twitter/Facebook.