Sunday, April 23, 2023

Poem: “The Servant-Girl At Emmaus” (A Painting by Velasquez) by: Denise Levertov

 She listens, listens, holding 

her breath. Surely that voice 

is his – the one 

who had looked at her, once, across the crowd, 

as no one ever had looked? 

Had seen her? Had spoken as if to her?

 

Surely those hands were his, 

taking the platter of bread from hers just now? 

Hands he’d laid on the dying and made them well? 

 

Surely that face – ?

 

The man they’d crucified for sedition and blasphemy.

The man whose body disappeared from its tomb.

The man it was rumored now some women had seen this 

morning alive?

 

Those who had brought this stranger home to their table 

don’t recognize yet  with whom they sit. 

But she in the kitchen, absently touching 

the winejug she’s to take in, 

a young Black servant intently listening, 

 

swings round and sees 

the light around him 

and is sure.

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