Visitation of the Virgin
by Rainer Maria Rilke
She still walked easily at first,
but in climbing sometimes she was already
aware of her wonderful body,
and then she stood, breathing upon the high
hills of Judea. But not the land,
her abundance was spread about her;
as she went she felt one never could exceed
the bigness she was feeling now.
And she craved to lay her hand
On the other body, that was further on.
And the women swayed towards on another
and touched each other’s dress and hair.
Each filled with her holy possession,
sought protection of her kinswoman,
Ah, the Savior in her was still flower,
Though the Baptist in her cousin’s womb
Already leapt in transport of joy.
