Joseph of Arimathea inspired poetry
Ms Corkery, Teacher of Religious Education reports on life in Lower IV’s work on the history of Christianity,
‘The girls in Lower IV recently began their studies on the History of Christianity in Britain in R.E. lessons. As part of the unit, they have examined what the biblical text has communicated about Joseph of Arimathea, as well as the wonderful legend endorsing Joseph’s role in bringing Christianity to these shores. The girls now know that Glastonbury is not only famous for its music, but, also, as a place of pilgrimage associated with the man who buried Jesus! They girls were busy in lessons composing poems to capture their learning. Here is a sample of their lovely output’:
Joseph of Arimathea
By Caitlin Gallagher Rattan
A good and righteous man
Should know his life, should know God’s plan
He knew his mind like he knew his faith
Although prevented by the human race
He did what he must
To God’s hands he thrust
His secret support of Jesus
The one who always frees us
And he felt responsibility that terrible day
The month in between March and May
He approached Pilate and said so polite
I wish to bury Jesus’ body tonight
‘There’s a tomb’ he said, ‘bought with my wealth.
I would have had it for myself’
But I respected Jesus, he should have had a long life
So I will find somewhere else for me and my wife.
And of the council Joseph was a respected member
So he was granted the body so we can all remember
The place Jesus rested, concealed by a stone
Lying, breathless, all alone.
Now Joseph was a disciple, a loyal one too
So sent by St. Philip he journeyed through
Storms and tropics, sun burnt and frost bitten
He arrived, worn out, in the one and only, Great Britain
Joseph brought with him the Holy Grail
He wouldn’t get caught, he wouldn’t fail
And hid it in Glastonbury, down a well
He made the other disciples swear not to tell
Soon they converted thousands throughout the country
Despite them being tired and hungry
They walked for miles and working like slaves
They showed the world the beauty of their faith
The echoing footsteps in Glastonbury
By Ivy Lo
On the journey
A figure stands
On the horizon.
Whose hands
Buried
The Lord.
Who carries
The chalice
Which held
Spilt blood.
Legend
Has it.
A journey
To Glastonbury
Which converted the people.
The secret
Supporter
From
The Sanhedrin.
Whose hands
Built
A Church
A society
A new culture
A new beginning.
Who had
A staff
Which blossomed.
Under the moon’s
Watchful eyes.
Who was
Good and righteous
Waiting for
God’s shining kingdom.
Who died
And was
Carried
By Kings.
A group
Of people
Stand
In front
Of the Church.
The first Church.
And walk around
The Town
Where
Joseph of Arimathea’s
Footsteps
Echo.
Joseph of Arimathea
By Niamh McDermott
A devout Jew
Council member
Good and righteous man
Secret follower of Jesus
Joseph of Arimathea
He waited for the Kingdom of God
Jesus’ body hung from a cross
Needed proper burial
Joseph asked Pilate
Permission granted
Buried the body in a tomb meant for himself
Journeyed to England
Brought Christianity to this land
Built its first church
In Glastonbury it is found
The Holy Grail
Hidden in a well
His pilgrim’s staff
Put in the ground
Overnight
A thorn bush blossomed
This admired missionary
Converted thousands
The rich and poor alike
Was carried to his grave
By six earthly kings
Only to enter into heaven
And meet our divine ruler
