Mary Magdalene

These days

the handful of silent stars

to which she projects herself

is more than enough.

There was a time

when she aimed for the sun

and love set all alight.

But now her sun is the pain 

that goes on beating down.

Her heart finds no shade

and all is night.

Only for the pale and distant stars

does she now cast a shadow

but even her star-cast shadow mourns:

the sun stops the perfect completion

for which she yearns

here in this place

beneath the silent stars.

But here…

where sky and sea

and stars and alien shore

enfold her in their sanctuary

and winds of grace

dry up the muddy pools once more…

Here…

where passing clouds

shut out the face of night

her tearful footprints

mirror boundless light.

Imagined portrait of Mary Magdalene painted by David Bergen.