Blue Madonna (Poetry)

This beautiful image of the Madonna by renowned
stained glass artist Albinas Elskus is located in the
Church of Incarnation, Glendale, California.

Light streams — ignites her image
                                in stained glass
panes burn with Heaven’s blue
                                as though aflame
her face an oval pale
                                with hooded eyes
her spirit glowing through
                                the leaded frame

She holds in slender fingers
                                a blood rose
as though in meditation
                                of its form
and random scarlet splashes
                                the design
suggesting her soft flesh
                                has found the thorn

Her radiance shines down on
                                dazzled eyes
who gaze at her with wonder
                                and in awe
sheer colour spreads its blessing
                                heals like balm
and spreads its patterned stain
                                upon the floor

Some pray to her for miracles
                                their faith
restored by this expression
                                of high art
and all that love inspired now
                                pouring out
to touch each soul and soothe
                                an aching heart

Such a vision of solemnity
                                and calm
exuding sweet serenity
                                and grace
from far and wide the eager
                                pilgrims come
to watch the play of light transform
                                her face.