Graham Ovenden

The Virgin and Child Painted on Glass
(Eaton Bishop)

How can a mere conceit in painted glass
pose such a prayer to joy?

The boy child Christ, tender, chucks his mother's chin.

If any image made by man negated sin
it must be this.

Dear sweet trust, here is a totality of love
which tells the centuries of old faiths forever fresh,
the mystery, marvel, in that fond caress.