This is based on the legend of how the donkey came to have his cross.

A story is told many years ago.
It is a legend I think you should know.
A little gray donkey gave Mary a ride
as Joseph walked bravely right by her side

Bethlehem was where they both had to go
And the donkey had to struggle so slow.
He traveled with very much donkey pride
for the treasure Mary carried inside.

That donkey’s descendant wasn’t so calm
as he bore Christ on the day of the palm.
He saw people cheer and he saw them shout
as he followed the Jerusalem route.

Later in the week he was standing near
on Calvary’s hill and he heard them jeer.
His heart was sad and it ached to the core
knowing he had not fulfilled his chore

The cross wasn’t something for Christ to bear.
He reasoned “I should have carried it there.”
He grieved as he turned his back to the sight
and bowed his head as he felt so contrite.

In honor of his loyalty and love
Christ looked on him from his perch up above.
He caused a shadow to fall on his back
to leave an image of the darkest black

If you look at a gray donkey today
you’ll notice this honor is there to stay
as a mark to remind us of the great love
which that donkey received from God above.