Lindy Thompson

As if I could not reach out
and be immediately clasped
by the warm, strong hand of Mary,
(the one from Magdala),
leaning forward,  reaching out to me,
her bright robes brushing the ground,
her face smiling.

Embraced and encouraged
by one who knows what it means
to love God
and love yourself —
what it imparts,
what it costs.

She nods to those behind me,
and I turn to reach out to my younger self
who quickly clasps my hand,
delighted to be included,
and with another nod,
the invitation extends,

hand clasping hand,
on down the line,
all of me happy
to be a part of this long, strong chain
of unbreakable,
unshakeable
love.