Hail Mary Joy

O Mother Mary mine, you never tire
to hear the words the angel said to you,
“Hail, full of grace”--the state of your desire,
“the Lord is with thee”--Oh, how true, how true!

“Blest art thou of all women”--so you heard,
in visiting your cousin on that hill,
her words, John’s joyful leap, both proved the Word
dwelt in you by your word--Oh, what a thrill!

You listen to with joy our Marian prayer,
then “Holy Mary, Mother of God”--yet,
by our words, we excite your love and care,
“pray for us sinners”--you will not forget!

O Mary, may these words bring joy to me,
so I, just like “the Lord,” will “be with thee.”

                       by Pete Voelz      12/15/13