A06 Appearance Of A Lady

The three girls, in search Of wood, had their march, Down the rough roads, And winding river beds. A shortcut route they took And reached near the brook, That had to be crossed Before picking up wood. Marie advised Bernadette, “You’re an asthma patient. Surely the cold water will affect Your health, while crossing it.” They two left her alone, For the health reason, But she was so impatient To remain there quiet. Her mind became restless And she tried to cross The brook that didn’t Bite her bare soft feet. She sat o’er a stone, Close by a small cavern, And saw an object bright Radiating its sharp light. Was it a simple illusion? Or, her own imagination? She rubbed her eyes Not once, but ten times. A very young lady Delicate and dainty, Flesh and blood visibly, Stood there calmly. Fully covered by a veil Her face did reveal, She was above an Angel In the looks of this girl The fabric was so white, And it was so transparent, That her limbs’ every movement Was visible, even the one slight. Her narrow feet were bare, With nothing else to wear, Except for the two golden roses, Found placed o’er her two toes. At first, she couldn’t reckon What did the object mean? She felt a pang of terror, That turned to a steady fear. But the lady’s inviting smile, Slowly assured the girl That she was an object Of worship, not fright. Her fear she then hid And as in church she did By kneeling herself down And showing the cross sign. It didn’t even occur to her Why the lady was there, A rock cavern so filthy, And the one most unhealthy. She failed in her religious duty, On seeing the lady’s beauty, But the lady seemed to signal And prompt her with a smile. She took up her rosary, And showed to the lady, Who accepted readily Her gestures found holy. She then chanted, “Hail Mary, Full of grace, Thy mercy, Glory to the Father in heaven The son, and the Holy Ghost, Amen.”