Church of the Virgin, Maria

 
Like a temple she has reached
the goal of stillness
graceful in her silence and remote
like the earth absorbing
like the moon reflecting
like the sun, light shining
open peaceful arches
welcome on the hill
thousands to the eternal fire
they come and go, but few
observe the worn white stone
the firm fine lines
and storied sculpturings
which make this rock itself
a place of pilgrimage
 
                                                            (for Maria W., 1960s)