O Mary, rock your little boy

O Mary, rock your little boy,
as rocks a boat upon the sea,
for he will wake to still the waves
upon the Lake of Galilee.

Hold close your baby to your breast
where he may refuge find and food,
for he will feed us with his flesh
and build our refuge with his blood.

Kiss every little tear away
and wrap him warm in swaddling bands,
for death's cold touch will chill his youth
and cruel nails will pierce his hands.

Watch while he's sleeping, little maid,
and mark the stirring of each breath,
for we shall call him Prince of Peace
and he will break the chains of death,

Hilary Jolly b. 1945

© Hilary Jolly/ Jubilate Hymns

8 8 8 8 (LM)