Posted in Gerard MANLEY HOPKINS SJ, MARY'S MONTH, POETRY

Rejoice!It’s 1 MayThe Month of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Rejoice!
It’s 1 May
The Month of the Blessed Virgin Mary

The May Magnificat
By Gerard Manley Hopkins SJ (1844-1889)

May is Mary’s month, and I
Muse at that and wonder why:
Her feasts follow reason,
Dated due to season-

Candlemas, Lady Day:
But the Lady Month, May,
Why fasten that upon her,
With a feasting in her honour?
Ask of her, the mighty Mother:
Her reply puts this other
Question: What is Spring?
Growth in everything-
All things rising, all things sizing
Mary sees, sympathising
With that world of good,
Nature’s motherhood.

Well but there was more than this:
Spring’s universal bliss
Much, had much to say
To offering Mary May.

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