Young Joseph knew no bondage. Neither bands
Of father's human love nor brethren's hate
His onward course could check or deviate.
Each obstacle gave impetus to thought.
In serving God his liberty was sought,
And found, as in obedience to God's plan
He fed the hunger of his brother man.
Not, Father, for ourselves would we be free
From clinging love or cruel enmity;
But free to serve, in paths Thy hand designed,
The urgent needs of hungry humankind.
With Joseph's active innocence we press
To wider ways of Christlike usefulness;
With his unhurried meekness would we move
To tasks of wisdom in the bonds of Love
And find our full dominion as we give
From Thy rich store, whereby we also live.
And it may be, Love's cycle thus complete,
Those who have loved or hated us may meet,
And all of us, in freedom and accord,
Feast at the table of our common Lord.
