Mary Poem by Liilia Talts Morrison

There was a time so long ago
a night of pain and mourning
a crucifixion full of hate
his cruel death a warning

Three days they hid behind closed doors
his trembling few disciples
they prayed with fervent hopes and tears
and whispered psalm recitals

It was still dark when a new week
would shortly break to dawning
a woman who had loved this soul
came to his tomb that morning

This story has been often told
with minor variations
yet there are many who agree
on that one word then spoken

The woman wondered who it was
that uttered one short word
was it a gardener nearby
and why her heart then stirred

The risen one has been the source
of many books and lore
is it then true that he first spoke
to one whom most ignored

The word was 'Mary, ' said with love
and Magdalene transformed
that moment in the glow of truth
and miracle performed

Today it is a much loved name
oft used in prayers and praise
a word first uttered by a throat
that had been still three days

There was a time so long ago
a night of pain and mourning
a crucifixion full of hate
his cruel death a warning.