Madonna

I share mystery recommendations with another mary
send two references: both named mary
the mom says her best friend's named mary
This fact maybe below the threshold for mentioning
I saw little trees of mold growing out of the spouts
on the arroyo in the shape of the virgin mary

rilke wrote

Then she mounted calmly, full of her self-trust,
toward a pomp that fastidiously gave way--
so much was everything that men
build already outweighed by the praise

within her heart. She so yearned
to give herself up to the inner signs--
her parents had intended to present her--
the threatening one on whose breast jewels burned
seemed to receive her; but she passed through all,
small as she was, forth from every hand, 
into her destiny prepared, more ample
than the hall and heavier than the temple.

mariology is the theological study of mary
miriam, sea of bitterness, infinite honorifics
my name's like wearing a permanent wool shawl

my dad's monthly magazine, magnificat,
so mysterious to me, just prayers on thin pages
mary made the cover every time
I never really thought about making her mine