Mary

They get her out

Once a year

In all her velvet dignity

And she glides through the streets

Frozen, sickly, sad and sweet

Engorged in gemstones

Seated on a gold throne

Oh, she is rich now

Our lady of sorrows

She weeps

She weeps for those who place their votive offerings at her feet

Oh, Christ, her nails

But Mary had sins of a thousand penitent beasts

Mother Mary

Mary Mother, Mother, Mother

They growl, they scream

But Mary, oh, Mary

She was made of oat and walnut

Skin sweet, deep, melting like chocolate

And her mouth could move across her warm cheek

A smile or a frown furrowed her brow

The corner of her eye a crooked pin

The beginnings of a smile, a grin

Hot tears moving, flowing and human

She tasted flesh upon her tongue

She and Joseph, they made love

Yes, they made love

And this was her benediction

No immaculate conception

This was her benediction

No immaculate conception

This was her benediction

No immaculate conception

This was her benediction

Emancipate Mary

She jumps from the palistrade

And burns through the streets

Dirty, barefoot, hair streaming

Lace in tatters, wild and screaming

Crying, laughing, kicking, gleaming

And dancing

And dancing

And dancing

And dancing

And dancing

And dancing

And dancing

And dancing

And dancing

On the edge of the world