The father’s nails

Joseph felt
with calloused fingers
sharp, gripping, iron
nails
in his work apron.

Piercing the wood
as his hammer
drove them
deep
to secure
his creation.

Jesus felt
with throbbing fingers
rough, thick, burrowing
nails
in his naked hands.

Piercing his veins
as the soldier’s hammer
thrust them
deep
to secure
my eternity.

Sheila Rempel Braun is a teacher in Steinbach, Man. and attends Steinbach MB Church.