To the Icon of the Virgin of Vladimir
Your eyes
bear the world’s
incredible sadness,
your lower lids
descending
into cups
that cannot contain
your grief.
Your mouth
depicts
the close touch
of your Son’s cheek –
only a newborn now
but shown
as a miniature man
already ready
to comfort.
Did you sense this?
Did you feel your
heart steadied
by your infant
and
His infinite hand?
Mary Harwell Sayler
