The Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth
The image is one Fra Angelico's depiction of the Visitation of Mary to her cousin Elizabeth.
The sonnet below, entitled The Visitation,
and today's feast, celebrate one wonderful moment of our salvation as
Mary shares with Elizabeth the arrival of the "hidden God".
The poem was
written by American poet Joyce Kilmer (1886–1918), author of Trees.
It has a dedication to fellow American poet, Louise Imogen Guiney.
A
sergeant in the 165th US Infantry Regiment, Kilmer was killed at the
Second Battle of Marne in 1918 at the age of 31.
THE VISITATIONThere is a wall of flesh before the eyes
Of John, who yet perceives and hails his King.
It is Our Lady’s painful bliss to bring
Before mankind the Glory of the skies.
Her cousin feels her womb’s sweet burden rise
And leap with joy, and she comes forth to sing,
With trembling mouth, her words of welcoming.
She knows her hidden God, and prophesies.Saint John, pray for us, weary souls that tarry
Where life is withered by sin’s deadly breath.
Pray for us, whom the dogs of Satan harry,
Saint John, Saint Anne, and Saint Elizabeth.
And, Mother Mary, give us Christ to carry
Within our hearts, that we may conquer death.