August 15: Assumption of Mary - Mary Poem

About this article

This beautiful, moving poem by Nancy McDonald focuses on a very strong image of Mary. Appropriate for liturgical, retreat, or classroom settings, the poem invites reflection and challenges us to see Mary in a new light.

No milk-faced maiden in a soft robe for a desert god,
No
You needed someone
more Your size
who cared about Your chosen ones
as much as You
who constantly insisted
that You listen to their cries

And,
once the wild maid fixed her gaze on You
the game was up.

Nothing is so irresistible as undivided love
and
when with passionate interest
she nailed You with her eyes
salvation was at hand
a guarantee.

Acknowledgments

Published December 29, 1999.