Joseph (of Nazareth)
held Jesus the baby,
wrapped in swaddling cloths.
Just born,
fragile,
holy child.

Joseph (of Arimathea)
held Jesus the man,
wrapped in burial cloths.
Just crucified,
fragile,
holy man.

Two different Josephs
attended Jesus,
as he entered this world
and as he left it.
Two different Josephs
were with him
and tenderly
held him,
wrapped him in cloth.
Two different men
cared for this man
who cares for all of us.