Taxed

They journeyed to Bethlehem
To be taxed,
And taxed they were
In substandard quarters,
Royal seed
In a seedy place.

Who would there
Expect good tidings
Of great joy
From an angel, no less,
And to flyover shepherds
Grinding out the night shift.

A chorus of the heavenly singers
Pointing to the birth,
Glory to God in a feed trough—
Contrary to every expectation
Of how Paradise
Should come to sinners.

Ordained Servant Online, February, 2025.