The vine curls by the window space,
The wings of angels cover the face.
Up in the rafters, polished and olden,
There's a Dove that broods and his wings are golden.
You who kept Them through shine and storm,
A staff, a shelter kindly and warm,
Father of Jesus, husband of Mary,
Hold us your lilies for sanctuary!
Joseph, honoured from sea to sea,
Guard me mine and my own roof-tree,
"Man of the House"!
COELO ET IN TERRA
By Thomas Walsh
Earth is a jealous mother; from her breast
She will endure no separation long
From aught she bore;
So one by one
She claimeth evermore
The parent and the friend—
The loveliest and the best,
The meek, the faithful, and the strong,—
Till, link by golden link undone,
The very tomb that seems
To youth the dismal gulf of all that's fair,
Becomes the chosen hearthstone of our dreams,
