James Scannell McCormick
Unnamed Saint
(Virgo Inter Virgines)
after the painting by the Master of the St. Lucy Legend
The others are known through their tokens – cloud-white lamb
Awash in Agnes's purling skirts; or gold
Ring that a gangly Christ-child bestows as claim
To Catherine's hand; or pincers that Agatha holds,
Dainty as tapers, to show her severed breast.
Ursula reads as pagan arrows peep
From beneath the filigreed sweep of her gown. Farthest
Back, though – beside Lucy, whose cleanly lap
Supports a pair of plated eyes – in three-
Quarter profile, her throat and forehead pale
As pearl: Why does she clasp to her heart a lacy
Coronet? Why does she grip an unwieldy bell?
And why does she smile – because, throughout all time,
Only her Lover will ever know her name?
Bio
James Scannell McCormick's third collection of poems is title First of Pisces (Kelsay Books). He lives and teaches college English in Rochester, Minnesota