Giotta has it wrong.

"In the Kitchen" by Kilian McDonnell, O.S.B.

In the sixth month the angel Gabriel... (Luke 1:26)

"The Annunciation" by Giotto di Bondone

Giotto has it wrong.
I was not kneeling
on my satin cushion
in a ray of light
head slightly bent.


Painters always
skew the scene,
as though my life
were wrapped in silks,
in temple smells.


I had just come back
from the well, placing
the pitcher on the table
I bumped against the edge,
spilling water.


As I bent to wipe
it up, there was light
against the kitchen wall,
as though someone had opened
the door to the sun.


Rag in hand,
hair across my face,
I turned to see
who was entering
unannounced, unasked.


All I saw was light,
white against the timbers.
I heard a voice
never heard before
greeting me. I was elected,


the Lord was with me.
I would bear a son
who would reign forever.
I pushed back my hair,
stood afraid.


Someone closed the door
And I dropped the rag.