For Mary Magdalene

FOR MARY MAGDALENE Between necessity and freedom I was crucified Perceiving Himself endlessly on the cross Yet aware, as an onlooker, petrified My vision that never was, would be His loss. I mimed too, as they hammered in the nails Once more assuaging myself in His deep tears Once more my heart rallying where my speech fails To give His lips the vinegar it fears. Sun eclipsed, I dallied with the vision of day, A multi-chromed banner the old enemy was twisting, Till I could no longer read in stone and clay, My flower-head lopped, topped to the moment’s listing - I shone for Him like a speck in the glory of the sunrise Waiting for twilight, the beauty of the stars’ surprise. by Rosemarie Rowley from IN MEMORY OF HER, Dublin 2008