She is already what she will become.
In crimson cape, her neck pierced by a sword,
she holds the palm of peace and martyrdom—
both suffering and glory, her reward.
The striking textile pattern, a rosette,
recurs in hues of amethyst and jade,
suggesting jewels, perhaps an amulet
for Christians. At the edge, it is replayed
in ombré tones of dark and lighter grey—
a girdle or a necklace, linked in gold,
with tags marked Luciae Virginis. Pray.
The artisan creator says “Behold.”
—Catharine Savage Brosman
