Silent at Joseph’s side he stood,
And smoothed and trimmed the shapeless wood.
And with firm hand, assured and slow,
Drove in each nail with measured blow.
 
Absorbed, he planned a wooden cask,
Nor asked for any greater task;
Content to make, with humble tools,
Tables and little children’s stools.
 
Lord, give me careful hands to make
Such simple things as for Thy sake.
Happy within Thine House to dwell,
If I  make one table well.