another take on emmaus

I shared this poem by Denise Levertov (also from The Stream & the Sapphire) during our morning prayer today as another way to look at today's Gospel.

The Servant-Girl at Emmaus

(A Painting by Velazquez)

She listens, listens, holding

her breath. Surely that voice

is his – the one

who had looked at her, once, across the crowd,

as no one ever had looked?

Had seen her? Had spoken as if to her?

Surely those hands were his,

taking the platter of bread from hers just now?

Hands he’d laid on the dying and made them well?

Surely that face -- ?

The man they’d crucified for sedition and blasphemy.

The man whose body disappeared from its tomb.

The man it was rumored now some women had seen this

morning, alive?

Those who had brought this stranger home to their table

don’t recognize yet with whom they sit.

But she, in the kitchen, absently touching

the winejug she’s to take in,

a young Black servant intently listening,

swings round and sees

the light around him

and is sure.