Annunciation

Annunciation

an ekphrasis on a painting by Christine Hirst

Angel and Virgin each stand in a tabernacle,
Sheltered and divided by a fruit tree
Bearing apples or pomegranates,
One of which hangs close to the Angel’s ear, like a headphone.
He is swathed in gold light, wings back, brown hair trim.
She has a gold halo, red hair,
And wears a red robe and blue cloak.
His face is benign, being only the messenger—
Hers inscrutable.

The Tree of Life grows on barren ground,
Or Earth.
He, the Angel, appears behind this, on tiptoe.
Is his right hand raised in Benediction?
Or is he holding, concealed, the mirror
Of the Blessed Virgin,
A prefiguration?

Mary stands on the ground, and is transparent.
Her halo tilts towards the Angel,
Her right hand is raised in acknowledgement,
Her left hand may signify,
“Let it be so now.”
Her dark blue eyes look inward,
Reflecting the unutterable.

Tina Kane