Anna
(from Rembrandt’s Simeon and Anna in the Temple)

Simeon knows who they are,

the wounds that lie ahead,

but the backlight is all hers. Standing tall

she might be twice her size

arms raised to bless the young family

with welcome and delight.

Anna, widow of eighty four,

waiting, worshiping,

waiting, fasting,

waiting, praying

in temple shadows all these years.

Now, the moment

when ceaseless thanksgiving

covers her with light,

a voice for all who wait.

- Alice Feeley, RDC (used with permission)