SOLEMNITY OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

“Mother, After” by Andra Potos

Just before
I dipped
into sleep
she appeared
on the canvas
of my eyelids –
tranquil joy
on her face like
Renoir
might have painted,
light dappling
around and through her.

Even when the brush
had to be tied to Renoir’s
bent and failing hands,
Beauty drew through them
as my mother – even beyond –
cannot help but be who she is.

Father Bill +