Bethlehem's straw

SILVER

STRAW

Where Africa, Asia

And Europe do meet,

In the middle of the earth

David's line complete...

After Abraham and Sarah

In the middle of time,

Up until now

The Savior sublime...

Born in a stable

In the middle of the night,

In the middle of His creatures

Under middle-star bright...

Blessed Mother, foster-father

'Tween them both did sleep,

In the middle of a manger

In the middle of the sheep...

So in Church's stable sacrament

Holy Mother's confessioned-creche,

Your sins are swept with silver straw

So to shine from the middle of your flesh.