The Statue

A child prays beside a virgin’s feet

The holiest of women. There I wept

Was it for joy or sorrow? And I stepped

Closer in the heaviest August heat.

It was thirst… Thirst and hunger led me there

But I am flesh and they are only stone

Her arms open but not for my despair

My empty belly not from where she stood

A portion of her love not meant for me.

She gazed upon another lovingly.

I cried but was denied water and food

Of course a statue can never know pain

Unlike her child I have lost my youth

A fool kneeling by Mary’s feet in vain

For she is stone and cannot hide that truth.