Chaplaincy Review: Gwendolyn Brooks, "A Penitent Considers Another Coming of Mary"

Gwendolyn Brooks (1917-2000) is remembered primarily as a poet, although she also wrote fictional and nonfictional prose. Her book of poetry, Annie Allen, was awarded the Pulizer Prize in 1950; she was the first African American to receive this award. She taught at colleges throughout the United States, and she became the Poet Laureate of Illinois in 1968.

"A Penitent Considers Another Coming of Mary"

If Mary came would Mary
Forgive, as Mothers may,
And sad and second Saviour
Furnish us today?

She would not shake her head and leave
This military air,
But ratify a modern hay,
And put her Baby there.

Mary would not punish men—
If Mary came again.