SIMEON

But in Jerusalem there was a man

Who waited for the King with open arms;

He was alert because within his heart

He kept the secret - Messiah came at last!

Oh with what warmth he held Him in his grasp

While from his soul experience forged a psalm:

He saw the light for us who are afar

And envyless was full of jubilance;

He saw the glory this Infant would impart

To Israel though it be recalcitrant;

He was content that day should be his last

If, by the Spirit, he was Christ's celebrant.