Poem for Mary

Mary D. Glasspool

I have been counting down the days to the consecration of the Rev. Canon Mary Douglas Glasspool as a suffragan bishop for the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles. In a little while, she will become the second bishop of The Episcopal Church (and Anglican Communion) in a long-term relationship with someone of the same sex. Put another way, she will become the first partnered lesbian bishop in the Anglican Communion. She will be consecrated along with the Rev. Canon Diane Jardine Bruce, and they will become the first women bishops for the Los Angeles diocese.

I have been wanting to write a poem about Mary Glasspool, but an idea for one came to me only today. You can read it here first, but I will also put it in the Poetry section of Lionel Deimel’s Farrago as soon as I am able. You will, no doubt, be able to identify the inspiration for this poem.

Poem for Mary

Mary, Mary, to some, contrary
To how the Church should grow—
Nor closeted, nor male, nor straight;
Why disrupt the status quo?

Mary, bane of Canterbury,
Whipping girl of “orthodox,”
Bishop for the forward-thinking;
For the rest, a paradox.

Mary, Mary commentary
Paints you as the Devil’s tool;
Yet, may you walk in Jesus’ path,
And honor God mid ridicule.

This poem may seem a bit darker than is absolutely necessary. Only time will tell of what significance are today’ consecrations. (But see my post, “Countdown.”)

Godspeed, Mary Glasspool.


Update: This poem, with a bit more commentary, is now on my Web site here.