Why was he here
Filling the room
With light, and fear
Filling her womb?
What was he saying
Under his wings
As she was praying?
Impossible things:
Promise of birth,
God as the father,
Heaven on earth
In human feature . . .
What could she say
But bow her head
As he went away
With so much not said.

“My soul doth magnify . . .”
She whispered there,
“The Lord have mercy”
In the bright air.