Pagliacci,-the laugh of the Clown
Who is hurt beyond endurance
But still must be obliged to make
The crowd roar with laughter.

The Mask of Comedy overlaying the Mask of tragedy-
How few, Kate, are privileged , as I was,
To see the real you,
The sweet, sad, compassionate face
Of the Magdalene.

How love and pain have
transfigured you and disfigured you,
Can we come to warm our meagre flanks at your maternal side?

Earth-Mother, one of the true elite,

The simple, loving Heart
Of the Living God.

~~ by Maia Russell