Poem 358 – Mary

Mary

I am with Mary tonight
by her side as she heaves
between prayers in a barn
warmed by animal breath
& starfire landing in
her matted hair

I watch as Josef wipes
sweat from her brow
rubs her back
lets her squeeze his
hand to bone-crush

The silence in the
hay-heavy space is biblical
we all know who is coming
the mice the sheep the cow
the little boy drumming in fear
three kings on their knees
dropping gifts on the dusty floor

Mary’s eyes are closed
her mouth a purple line
of devoted concentration
her body is a kingdom
unloading & when the child
wails his trauma on her breast
his skin shocked & bloodied
the skies throw down stars
so bright we are blinded
long enough to understand
what darkness could have
been without her

Mary – Love’s pure light
virgin vessel victorious
she has delivered divinity

I am with Mary tonight
by her side as she grieves
between sobs in the barn
for she knows the child
will forever be taken
each minute is a giving away

I wipe sweat from her brow
rub her back
feel her heartbeat
under my palm

She looks at me
her soft smile is a
womb welcoming me
she knows I am
afraid & ashamed
yet she offers
the child for us
to hold together

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Merry Christmas Eve, all.

No matter what we believe, we can believe that this time is sacred. May love hold you all in peace.