The Madonna and the Goldfinch

This child is destined to be a sign of contradiction
And your own soul a sword shall pierce.
This timeless tragedy is no work of fiction.
Like a monk in his quiet time of prayer at dawn study it from prime till tierce.

Look now intently at Raphael’s The Madonna and the Goldfinch painting.
See her calm and loving pride in her son.
Look again at her child, the offering of St John, caressing.
The two children intent on their gaze at each other as if they were one.

Look beyond at the Leonardesque landscape.
Bathe your eyes in gentle browns, blues, and greens.
Here is all fused and calming shape.
Conjure up in your mind hope filled scenes.

But beyond in time this bucolic idyll.
Lies our salvation’s blood-stained riddle.