After the Annunciation

For Jane Schaberg

Mary,
only fourteen now
but done in by Imperium.
Panthera’s seed was planted well
against your will
and now, to your regret, you know
you're swelling with his bastard spawn.
Do you rage against your god
who lets such things occur.
Do you demur?
Assume the blame?
Have you thought how Joseph,
expecting so to bring you undefiled into his home,
will be fraught and darkly shamed
when he comes to know
how much you’re stained,
so doubly occupied,
and want, as is his right,
to put you far away?
What will you do when he pronounces exile
on your head and says your growing child
is not begot as you in desperation claim
from up on high.
So much for Immanuel.