She Knew

I did not know 
anything 
beyond the practicalities 
and the call 
of the Wise Moon. 

I could not see;
blinded by the magnitude 
of the moment’s brightness,
and the intoxication 
of new autumnal air.

So unaware of 
the depth and darkness 
of the Sea that lay before me. 
I did not know,
but She did. 

She knew that 
the Wise Moon’s 
calling
would require 
a fearsome falling.

She knew that
the Sea’s 
exploring
meant complacency’s 
unmooring.

She knew all
the monsters 
waiting
and difficulty 
navigating. 

She knew how long.
She knew how far. 
Great Stella Maris!
Sea’s Bright Star! 
She saw it all

But only smiled
upon Her 
wide-eyed 
wandering 
child;

through all
the recklessness 
and roaming
toward her full
and final Homing. 

Mother of Christ, 
Star of the Sea;
pray for the wanderers;
pray 
for me. 

~Cheryl Anne Maris 
Feast of Our Lady, Stella Maris 2022
She knew! 🌟