The Donkey

I’m the donkey plodding slow,
Grey form under a heavy load,
In the line though still alone,
Beast of burden on the road.

I smell of dust and donkey sweat,
And hope for riders who are light,
I bristle with each shouted threat,
Trained to mind, to work just right.

Mindful when the stick prods  bones,
Mindful of hooves near my nose,
Mindful  as sun warms my coat,
Slogging here,  could even doze.

I am taught to be submissive,
It’s my comfort to miss holes,
It’s my  way to seek reprieve,
And my pride to tote safe loads.

When  the infant  Savior came, 
I’m the one that bore dear Mary;
Shared Jesus’  triumph, sorrows, mirth,
For I’m the beast that has God carried.

first published in Penned From The Heart Devotional