The Archangel Gabriel and a throng of angels await Mary’s reply as she could change the world with one word.
I came, because He sent me here.
It did not seem too promising,
but, as I entered in the room,
my ancient heart began to sing.
There was a sense of something good
that whispered in the very air.
I spoke her name, she turned and gasped.
I was, of course, a stranger there.
The message, which I had to give,
was one that sounded quite absurd.
This peasant girl, this ragged maid,
the destined mother of the Word?
What fool’s experiment was this?
I waited for her heart to slow.
He tends to choose as most would not.
I knew her answer would be no.
She thought. I waited. As did all
the thousands who were gathered round.
She could not see them, did not hear.
Each angel, breathless, made no sound.
And then she spoke with trembling voice,
but courage, vibrant, strengthening.
And with her ‘Yes’ the heavens could breathe;
for here, a worthy throne, my King.
Fr Mark Skelton is a priest of the Plymouth Diocese, a poet and has always had a keen interest in the interface between Literature and Theology.
