TO MARY

TO MARY

Do you wear a robe of blue

as many artists picture you,

or is it white, with broidered gold,

or warm wine-red? No-one has told

your loveliness aright; there's none

can paint your beauty but your Son.

He pictures you in fragrant May's

tender, mild, exquisite ways.

and in October's goldenness

does He suggest your queenliness.

This is why blithe May is fair

and gold October* - for they wear

graces of yours - at least a few.

I love the months that look like you!

Sister Julie

Commonweal. 1928

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* The months of May and October are dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. When reading this it should be borne in mind that in the United States May occurs in summer and October in autumn.