Classic Poem

I THINK that Mary Magdalene
Was just a woman who went to dine;
And her jewels covered her empty heart,
And her gown was the color of wine.

I think that Mary Magdalene
Sat by a stranger with shining head:
" Haven't we met somewhere? " she asked.
" Magdalene! Mary! " he said.

I think that Mary Magdalene
Fell at his feet and called his name;
Sat at his feet and wept her woe,
And rose up clean of shame.

Nobody knew but Magdalene —
Mary the woman who went to dine —
Nobody saw how he broke the bread
And poured for her peace the wine.

This is the story of Magdalene —
It isn't the tale the Apostles tell,
But I know the woman it happened to,
I know the woman well.