Classic Poem

And wherefore doth Madonna thus look down
So wistful toward the book upon her knees?
Has she no comfort? Is there need
Within the Scriptures she should read
Who to the Living Word her bosom presses?
With bliss of her young Babe so near,
Is it not drear
Darkly from books to understand
What bodes his coming to the land?
Alas, as any other child, he catches at her gown
And with caresses
Breaks on her still ‘Magnificat’; to ease
And give air to her spirit with her own
Christ she must hold communion in great songs alone.