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After Rilke's Marienleben: Birth of Mary
Wally Swist (bio)

Ah, who knows what the price may have been
For the angels not to burst out in song, weeping,
Especially after all they understood; for the mother,
Emerged tonight, she who will bear the son, the one

Who will arise. Levitating in silence, they pointed
The way to where Joachim was husband to the land;
Oh, the taut fullness that infused them, buoyant and
Airborne, though not one could descend to him. Both

Were beyond comprehension with what was transpiring.
The wise friend next door arrived, but was at a loss
What to do, except to tend to the black cow, who then
Ceased mooing. Never was there such a night as this.

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