Mary Magdalene

One summer eve in Galilee
I stood before my open door;
to me it seemed just one more night--
like all the others gone before.
Someone would come and, passing by,
would hear the tinkling of the bells,
would see the garish harlot's robe
and painted eyes beneath my veil.
Someone, a man like all the rest--
it did not matter much to me--
a nobleman, Samaritan,
a Roman or a Pharisee,
someone would pause and with one glance
strip me again of maiden pride,
and leaving, later, never know
the shame and shattered dreams I hide.
O, he would think me very gay;
he would not see my hollow heart
nor hear me curse him for his pay.
Just then I saw a band of men
approaching down the narrow road;
there should be one among that crowd
aho wants the favors I bestow.
Kind eyes met mine, and with one look,
He saw what others could not see;
He saw the hunger of my soul,
my loneliness and misery.

I only know that since that day
I live to walk along with Him.
His look of love has changed my life;
I need not sell my love again.
Tonight He dines at Simon's house__
all day the dusty paths we roamed;
but, still he waits, unwashed, unkissed;
small courtesies no one has shown.
My love for Him! It rolls and swells
till from His side I cannot stay;
I will wash His feet with tears of love
and with my hair wipe the sand away.

Copyright, 1987, Faye Gibson
Copyright © | Year Posted 2014

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Adams Avatar
March 31, 2015 at 7:18 AM
Amazingly told true story. Still alive in the hearts of women everywhere.
Lamoureux Avatar
April 22, 2014 at 8:23 PM
It was my pleasure to comment. I appreciate talent.
Lamoureux Avatar
April 22, 2014 at 7:26 AM
See my comment to Charlotte. For me this captures the Passion and warmth of our Savior. You are now on my favorite poets list.
Gibson Avatar
April 22, 2014 at 6:41 PM
Thank you, Richard. I want to present Him, as best as I am able, with all His loveliness. I appreciate your kindness in reading and commenting on my poems.
Duncan Avatar
April 21, 2014 at 7:03 PM
I do believe both Mary's anointed him. I was not taught that Mary was his wife. I just took it upon myself as I was looking at the stained glass windows at church. Have a great day :)
Duncan Avatar
April 21, 2014 at 12:49 AM
I love the way you wrote this, though I thought it would end with them together. I was raised on Catholic side. And since I was 6- 7 I thought Mary was with Jesus :) To me Mary was never the harlot by the side of the road. ;) I've always thought the men were jealously because they wanted to be "right hand man !
Gibson Avatar
April 21, 2014 at 6:05 PM
Thanks for reading and for the comments. Funny how we grow up with different perceptions. I was taught that two Mary s anointed Jesus...Mary Magdalene and Mary of Bethany. Thanks for stopping by.
Puddifoot Avatar
April 20, 2014 at 5:33 AM
I was drawn to this one because I recently wrote one about mary magdalene (though mine was a bit more controversial!) but the entire subject has always fascinated me...I think this is very well written indeed, and it has great emotional content too...I have a feeling I will like a lot of your poetry :)
Lamoureux Avatar
April 22, 2014 at 7:23 AM
For me Charlotte this one displays the passion of Christ and is a love far beyond the physical. Had he slept with her she would not have experienced this level of intamacey. I also agree with Faye, you do possess a stellar talent.
Gibson Avatar
April 20, 2014 at 5:57 AM
You, Charlotte, have a stellar talent. Thank you for reading and commenting.
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