Notes About The Poem

Dec-19- 2025

Resubmitted For Old Christmas Poetry Contest

Sponsor- Constance La France

~ PLACED FIRST~


 

A Trudge To Bethlehem and Nativity

"Jesus Born in a lowly stable, a symbol of forsakenness became the redeemer of the whole world. It doesn't count how poor has been our birth. What matters is who we finally are or what we become"- By Poet

On a bleak and frosty night
Vexed and weary two travelers rode
Along the pathways-craggy and ragged
From Nazareth, trudging miles on end

Full pregnant, was she with child
Mary -the Virgin, suffused with Spirit Holy
Divinely ordained to bear the Godly Prince
Conceived before, she had known her spouse.

Abiding in Heaven’s Providence n’ care
They had rode past miles behind
Far too fatigued by the trip
Mary, now badly needed a place to rest.

Heading towards the blinking lights
Not far from the city’s guarded gate
Joseph sighted a tavern-small
Perched high on a tiny hill

A sense of relief beamed past
They have come at last to the journey’s end
Finally found a place to rest! 
An interim home away from home

Tethering the donkey outside the gate
Joseph helped Mary alight the brute
In eager search, he hurried inside
With Mary, following with faltering steps.

But the couple, to their dismay found
Within the tavern, room, there was none
For many a man had gathered round
To halt there on that freezing night

Sundry folk from surrounding lands
Had reached Bethlehem for the yearly census
Tradesmen selling clothes and cheese
Nomads of varying clans and clime

Petulant camels, braying donkeys
The place was littered with man and beast.
The tavern small, so packed to full
Had no more space to harbor the crowd

Mary and Joseph, though dejected, 
Were encamped within a manger- warm
With tender concern, Joseph joked, 
To ease the strain on Mary’s face

“Gaze upon this palace of gold
Where a son shall soon be born to us”! 
Mary smiled a gentle smile, 
Humored by her husband’s jest

Under the gaze of tethered hosts
In veiled privacy of the midnight gloom
She gave birth to a radiant child, 
The great Redeemer to all Mankind 

The star studded sky suddenly glowed
With a rare brilliance never beheld
And a celestial voice trailed along
Delivering ‘tidings of joy’ to the globe around

20, December 2021
Nativity New poems Poetry Contest
Sponsor- Eve Roper
Resubmitted for Old Christmas Poetry Contest
Sponsor- Constance La France
Copyright © | Year Posted 2021

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Guptar Avatar
December 31, 2025 at 10:35 AM
CVongratulations, Valsa, on sharing the first palce podium in this contest with a nice poem on Nativity beautifully narrated,. Wish you a happy, prosperous new year with shining good health filled with hopes and success.
Williams Avatar
December 28, 2025 at 5:07 PM
Valsa, I appreciate your effective use of realistic imagery in this wonderful write. Congratulations on a strong win in this contest, and I look forward to more poems from you! Very best, Bartholomew
Merryman Avatar
January 20, 2022 at 2:48 PM
Valsa, you added such creativity to your Christmas story! Well done! Congrats on your placement! Blessings, Kim M
Goldsmith Avatar
January 19, 2022 at 10:46 AM
Congratulations on your win. "A Trudge to Bethlehem and Nativity" is a wonderful story/write. I really enjoyed it. Have a blessed day......................
Alex Avatar
January 18, 2022 at 8:52 PM
Great work. Long one too. There's fluency of narration . Congratulations!
Roper Avatar
January 18, 2022 at 2:54 PM
Thank you, Valsa , and congratulations on your win. Bless you with a new year with lots of blessings.
Poet Avatar
December 22, 2021 at 6:58 AM
Valsa, you have created an outstanding piece of poetry. This story is divine in the eyes of devotees, and your eloquent words, have brilliantly communicated it.
George Avatar
December 25, 2021 at 10:56 PM
Your kind words are ever appreciated dear Lasaad ! Tons of gratitude!
Baker Avatar
December 21, 2021 at 5:41 PM
Lovely retelling of the Christmas story. It is the reason for the season. beautifully written, Valsa. Good luck in the contest. Smiles ~ Blessings Bill
George Avatar
December 25, 2021 at 10:53 PM
Thanks Bill, for your appreciation of the poem and your wishes of good luck ! Love and Greetings !
Brown Avatar
December 21, 2021 at 4:08 PM
You brought some human feelings to the story. Well penned....Christmas Blessings ~ Debra
George Avatar
December 25, 2021 at 10:51 PM
Debra.... you are a sweet heart ! Thanks lot ! Christmas and New Year Greetings !
Marcum Wong Avatar
December 21, 2021 at 10:37 AM
I enjoyed that you gave Joseph a sense of humor, I am sure it helped to ease Mary’s fears. Have a beautiful Christmas my friend. Blessings xxoo
George Avatar
December 25, 2021 at 10:50 PM
I feel that Joseph had an innate sense of humor, though the Bible doesn't say so. That's why he wasn't greatly perturbed any time, even while passing through severe ordeals . Thanks a lot dear Connie !
Buhagiar Avatar
December 21, 2021 at 9:50 AM
You captured the Nativity event with your great verse. Truly you're becoming one of the best poetess on the soup. Greetings.
George Avatar
December 25, 2021 at 10:46 PM
This is indeed a wonderful compliment.... ! I feel humbled ! Thanks a lot sweet friend !
Romios Avatar
December 21, 2021 at 9:47 AM
A true poetic ic work of art, Valsa. This should be a POTD So glad you are part of This site. Love, Panagiota
George Avatar
December 25, 2021 at 10:44 PM
I feel greatly elated by your comment and thanks a lot Panagiota ! Glad I could become part of this site with wonderful poets like you .
Pandit Avatar
December 21, 2021 at 9:31 AM
A story so divine to the heart of the faithful-- so wonderfully illustrated through your articulate words, Valsa. You bring alive the scenes that led to joyous celebration of birth. Kudos to you for your gifted pen.
George Avatar
December 25, 2021 at 10:42 PM
Learning from all of you . With wonderful poets around, much can be assimilated... Thanks a lot friend !
Alex Avatar
December 21, 2021 at 9:20 AM
Beautiful poem on nativity. Long one too. Complete. Best wishes.
George Avatar
December 25, 2021 at 10:40 PM
Thank you so much Christuraj ! Have a blessed Christmas and New Year !
Cunningham Avatar
December 21, 2021 at 9:14 AM
You tell the story of the nativity so well Valsa, Very well written and good luck in the contest Tom
George Avatar
December 25, 2021 at 10:39 PM
Thank you so much ! Your words inspire me.
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace