ADVENT

I live my Advent in the womb of Mary.

And on one night when a great star swings free from its high mooring and walks down the sky to be the dot above the Christus i, I shall be born of her by blessed grace.

I wait in Mary-darkness, faith’s walled place, with hope’s expectance of nativity.

I knew for long she carried me and fed me, guarded and loved me, though I could not see.

But only now, with inward jubilee,

I come upon earth’s most amazing knowledge:

someone is hidden in this dark with me.

—Jessica Powers, 1948