Portrait of Courage

(Mary and the Mother of Judas)

Beneath the fateful sycamore where still
A frayed rope hung, they sat in quietude
Of grief and saw: three crosses on a hill;
Repentant Judas ... Darkling death there nude.
Heads bowed, eyes tearless, bleak, both mothers knew
That winds through palms would sing triumphant, free,
The Song of Life, while whispers slithering through
The grass would hiss, "Betrayer!" endlessly.

"How kind and mother-wise to seek me here!
Forgive him, Mary."--Grief's taut floodgates broke--
"His hands were grasping but his heart held dear
Your Son, his Lord. Would I might ease your yoke!"
In syllables love-tender, Mary said,
"Yours is the greater burden. Lift your head ..."

The Fragrance of Lillies Lingered

There among the crosses

The great, gaunt commoner

Knelt in grief and supplication.

God, in his shadow, touched him saying,

"My son, arise and behold!"

Where once the crosses rose

Was a field of lilies;

Walking through them, the living forms

Of the crucified, One among them

Like unto God who said,

"Behold, my brothers, not in vain,

Oh, not in vain we died,

But to bring undying beauty."

God spoke again,

"My son, have patience--

Look to far horizons

To see the glory of America,

And beyond, the glory of the world."

There among the crosses

God and the commoner were gone

But the fragrance lingered.