A Stick, A Carrot & String

The Horse's hay beneath his head
Our Lord was born to a manger bed
That all whose wells run dry could drink of his supply

To keep him warm the Sheep drew near
So grateful for his comin' here
You come with news of grace
Come to take my place

The Donkey whispered in his ear
Child, in thirty-some-odd years
You'll ride someone who looks like me
(Untriumphantly)

Wheb the Cardinals warbled a joyful song
He'll make right what man made wrong
Bringing low the hills
That the valleys might be filled
Then Child, asked the birds
Well, aren't they lovely words we sing?

The tiny Baby lay there
Without saying anything

At a distance stood a mangy goat
With crooked teeth and a matted coat
Weary eyes and worn, chipped & twisted horns
Thinking: Maybe I'll make friends some day
With the cows in the pens and the rambouillet
But for now I'll keep away, I got nothin' smart to say

But there's a sign on the barn in Cabbagetown
When the rain picks up
And the sun goes down
Sinners come inside
With no money come and buy

No clever talk nor gift to bring
Requires our lowly, lovely king
Come you empty-handed
You don't need anything

The night was cool and clear as glass
With a sneaking snake in the garden grass
As deep cried out to deep
The Disciples, fast asleep
And the snake perked up when he heard you ask

If you're willing that this cup might pass
I could find my way back home
Maybe start a family all my own
But does not the Father guide the Son
Not my will but Yours be done
What else here to do
What else me but You

And the snake who'd held the world
A stick, a carrot and a string
Was crushed beneath the foot of
Your not wanting anything