See that the day is coming

Wake up from your sleep,
see that the day is coming;
and give lodging to Mary
that the floor doesn't know her.

Alone she comes and without refuge
of any creature,
only a man tired
of seeing people so severe.

Today you have good fortune,
receive her in Carmel;
see that the day is coming,
wake up from your sleep.

-- Bl Anne of St Bartholomew, ocd
translated by ocdsister

-o-

Bl Anne wrote this poem, probably between 1612-1614, for her community to celebrate Advent and the coming of Christmas. The second verse of the last quatrain states "receiver her in Carmel." You may not be in Carmel, but you can receive the expectant Mary (and Joseph) in your heart.