Joseph of dreams, guard well the poor.
Be a strong bar upon the door.
Be a broad window all day long
to let in sun and wild bird song.
Set a new loaf upon the board
to fill the poor man’s scanty hoard.
With strength and patience bless the lives
of all poor men and poor men’s wives.
Listen to poor men’s children call
when they are cold and tired and small.
Stir up the fire and keep it bright
on poor men’s hearths at fall of night.
Build a dry roof above the heads
of poor men dreaming in their beds.
Bring peace to all poor souls who lie
afraid and lonely when they die
Joseph of dreams, in that last hour
be a great light. Be a strong tower.
Sister Alice Smith, CSJ