The Legend Of The Robin Poem by B. V. Dahlen

So long ago and far away
To Bethlehem of Galilee,
On such a chilly winters day
Came Joseph and his wife Mary.

Oh they were weary cold and sore
From traveling those many miles,
And yet no room to rest they found,
Just frowning faces and denials.

‘Til finally a gentle soul
Conveyed them to a stable near
Where they could rest a little while
A place so bleak and so austere.

Later that night the maiden fair
Brought forth her first born in the hay,
And Joseph knew they needed warmth.
A tiny fire did he lay.

He stirred the meager flame a while,
And realizing that he should
Find fuel to spark a steady fire
Went searching through the town for wood.

Up in the rafters of this place
Were humble birds of umber hue.
That watched with curiosity,
Then nearer to the fire flew.

They saw a wee babe shivering,
While his poor mother tried in vain
To warm him near that tiny fire
By blowing on the coals again.

They realized that they might aid
The baby and his mother fair,
So with their wings a fluttering
Close by the fire, fanned the air.

They made the embers start to glow,
And warm the air a wee bit more.
They flapped still harder and they made
That tiny fire start to roar.

The heat did cause the birds to feel
Upon their breasts a rosy glow,
But they continued beating wings
To stir the fire, make it grow.

Not too long after Joseph came
To find the stable warm and tight,
A sleeping babe in mother's arms,
And embers glowing in the night.

The Lord God looking down on high
Said to the small birds roosting there
'My gratitude you have this night.'
'For your great kindness you shall wear

A crimson vest throughout all time,
So all who look upon you see
The caring that you showed my Son,
Your love and generosity.'

And so when e're you spy this bird,
Remember please his special worth,
This robin red breast hopping by
The roll he played at Jesus' birth.