Mary Mag looked inside
surprise
an empty tomb
surprise
everything dead about her
was gone
on the floor some strips
of gauze that once
staunched blood
no more
inside
surprise
an empty tomb
for the first time
she sees the sunburnt worker
the hollyhocks behind taller
the peach tree slouching
proudly with fruits of amber
a luscious garden
surprise
just outside
an empty tomb
inside
surprise
seven demons
had swept the place
and moved away
leaving only emptiness
inside
surprise
life’s departure lounge
where love rests before taking flight
she takes fright
no longer
surprise
inside
an empty tomb
she carries round
inside
surprise
where everything begins.