Mary Magdalene: A Poem by Mary Sue Barnett ARCWP

“I have read this poem in small, intimate chapel settings with patients at a psychiatric hospital where I minister as a chaplain. Each time that I witness how moved they are, how silent they become, I see anew how deep is their personal knowledge of the valley of death and how profoundly familiar they are with the power required to emerge from that valley. I see their raw, tender, and mighty hope. Their hope pours out and their hearts freely bless one another. It is astonishing.“

Mary Magdalene

Violence would quell

your soul

but you walked

step-by-step

away from evil

Trauma would rout

your heart

but you walked

moment-by-moment

into the next day

Tears would becloud

your path

but you walked

breath-by-breath

into the unknown

Grief would avert

your courage

but you walked

pulse-by-pulse

into the vision

Doubt would rescind

your mission

but you walked

pace-by-pace

into the blaze

Loneliness would shroud

your purpose

but you walked

leap-by-leap

into the luminescence

Trepidation would enervate

your passion

but you walked

caper-by-caper

into the joy

Depression would thieve

your hope

but you walked

glide-by-glide

into the tenderness

Death would dissolve

your being

but you walked

wingbeat-by-wingbeat

into the furthermost

from within

your inmost

through all dark

into all light

with truth

on your lips

with Christ

as your shield

with oil dripping

upon the world

from your ancient

holy hands

its blessed fragrance

reaching every thirsty soul

from the garden

into this moment

the inmost heart

of this moment

now and forever

amen

Mary Sue Barnett