Judith

I see in Master’s paint thy Art intent

And hear through ancient pane thy voice content.

Judith, has thy work, painful labor, spent

Brought thee peace; Understanding, even yet?

What seest thou, Woman, that thine eye enthralled,

Is so keen to cut through this earthly pall

And pierce the Veil of being, uncovering all

Inside that fills Man’s rusting love offal?

With stare and wonder that smiles dangers hide;

Rapt, curious, thou calmly set aside

Translucent layers of his lovely guise,

Until Truth, piece by piece, lies undenied.

Holofernes, late, saw beauty - amazed,

And overturned, he dreamt thy mind dazed

By rich wine, smooth form - not Calling obeyed.

Judith, what Hope lies ‘neath thy shredding Gaze?

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Judith Beheading Holofernes - Caravaggio