MARY STANDS BENEATH THE CROSS

MARY STANDS BENEATH THE CROSS

Gradually

we shall grow up to pain

as Mary did.

A sapling set securely by God’s hand

withstands the blast

of prophecy, holds out

through exiled dearth

through triple dark,

and in the years serene,

thrusts roots so deep that,

in the great upheaval,

one tree stands.

Fifth Dolour[1]

Sister M Julian RSM

In: The Refuge of Beauty.  1954

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[1] Fifth Dolour: The Blessed Virgin stands at the foot of the Cross.