Hoofs of Pegasus

<p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[Pg 17]</SPAN></span></p> <h2>OUR LADY OF UNDERSTANDING</h2> <div class="poetry-container"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> <span class="i0"><span class="bigfont">O</span>UR Lady understands</span> <span class="i0">Though prayerful are her folded hands;</span> <span class="i0">Her face is pale</span> <span class="i0">Within the azure shadow of her veil.</span> <span class="i0">Here in this shrine she seems remote, apart,</span> <span class="i0">For the dim centuries have quenched her fire,</span> <span class="i0">The slow years molded her to their desire.</span> <span class="i0">Ah, still she knows</span> <span class="i0">The ecstasy that glows</span> <span class="i0">In my wild heart!</span> <span class="i0">Once, not submissive, meek</span> <span class="i0">With pensive brow and duteous cheek,</span> <span class="i0">There came a cry exultant, strong;</span> <span class="i0">“My soul doth magnify the Lord!”</span> <span class="i0">Clear as a ringing sword</span> <span class="i0">I hear her song.</span> <span class="i0">In high humility</span> <span class="i0">She knew herself to be</span> <span class="i0">The Chosen of God, the Gate of the Divine.</span> <span class="i0">I kneel before her shrine,</span> <span class="i0">I gaze upon her tranquil face,</span> <span class="i0">Hail Mary, full of grace!</span> <span class="i0">I, too, know Love,</span> <span class="i0">And I am humble, proud, and wise.</span> <span class="i0">Our Lady understands</span> <span class="i0">All joy, all woe;</span> <span class="i0">The Son of God she laid to rest</span> <span class="i0">Upon her breast,</span> <span class="i0">She knew the wounded Hands,</span> <span class="i0">And there is nothing else to know.</span></div> </div></div> <hr class="chap" /> <div style="break-after:column;"></div><br />