Main Street, and Other Poems

<h2> The Visitation </h2> <h3> (For Louise Imogen Guiney) </h3> <p>There is a wall of flesh before the eyes<br/> Of John, who yet perceives and hails his King.<br/> It is Our Lady's painful bliss to bring<br/> Before mankind the Glory of the skies.<br/> Her cousin feels her womb's sweet burden rise<br/> And leap with joy, and she comes forth to sing,<br/> With trembling mouth, her words of welcoming.<br/> She knows her hidden God, and prophesies.<br/> <br/> Saint John, pray for us, weary souls that tarry<br/> Where life is withered by sin's deadly breath.<br/> Pray for us, whom the dogs of Satan harry,<br/> Saint John, Saint Anne, and Saint Elizabeth.<br/> And, Mother Mary, give us Christ to carry<br/> Within our hearts, that we may conquer death.<br/></p> <p><SPAN name="link2H_4_0018" id="link2H_4_0018"></SPAN></p> <br/> <div style="break-after:column;"></div><br />