My heart exults in the LORD,

my horn is exalted in  God. ^{1 Samuel 2:1}

Hannah knew grief,

knew barrenness,

knew loneliness,

… and knew belief.

Women berated her,

belittled her,

but never guessed

her righteousness.

Eli thought her drunk,

“Sober up,” he said. ^{1 Samuel 1:14}

Opening her heart

before the LORD,

Hannah, like Anna,

presented her word,

giving her child

to the living God.

“I prayed for this child,

the LORD granted

my request. I, in turn,

give him to Yahweh.” ^{1 Samuel 27-28}

All women in Israel

yearning to bear life,

wombs, hearts united

to Life’s dominion.

There is no Holy One

like the LORD;

there is no Rock

like our God. ^{1 Samuel 2}

So Mary, too, sings

like Miryam before,

dancing, relishing life

at the desert’s door.

“My soul magnifies the Lord,

my spirit rejoices

in God my Savior.” ^{Luke 1:47}

Mary seals happiness,

bursting with trust,

a presence of El,

great joyfulness.

“Henceforth, all generations

will call me blessed,” ^{Luke 1:48}

All peoples see

this saving ecstasy

she possessed.

Mary finds hesed,

mercy and love:

a woman lamenting

for hungry and poor,

people abandoned,

hurting each day.

Her prayers heard,

life-filling womb,

love given and taken

life leaving the tomb.“

For He who is mighty

has done great things for me;

and holy is His name. ^{Luke 1: 49}