Flight in Victory

After Artemisia Gentileschi’s “Judith and the Maidservant”

Two women—

One in fine attire—

Red velvet, gold embroidery,

Lace and gemstones—

The other her maid—

Voluminous scarf to veil her hair,

Bulk too large to fit her dress—

Steal through the cover of the night.

And in one’s hand, a sword

Slung backward.

For the other, the prize fresh cut,

The general’s head in a basket,

Cloth red-dyed,

As his wine too deeply drunk.

In dim candlelight

The two maids pause,

And, looking back,

Investigate some din

That makes the one—

The maid— quiver,

For fear that they might be found out.

But Judith, woman warrior,

Does not startle and will not balk.

God as her protector,

She urges on her maidservant

And, as an angel, lends her strength.

And in the cover of the night,

Two women will arrive at Bethulia’s gate

To bring the people their salvation

Borne bloody in a maiden’s basket.