advent: the virgin

some epic tales begin with shame
God's mercy put quietly away
His purpose lept into the fields of unknown
never before
(ponder this)
never before in creation
never then or hence
mary- servant of God
wrapped in a shroud of questions

i surrender to the mystery also
a smaller task.
yet as bethlehem
slings and stones
fish and loaves
i rest and unfurl my white flag
i am the Lord's servant.