The Italians painted the best virgin marys next to the Dutch and she looks like the dark haired olive tint not the complete Mary but her complement her knitting friend who Mary whispers to "Joseph last night was so cute" Mary tells her as the donkey drinks from the river "he leaned over to kiss me but he stopped himself I told him we've been married ten years out son is the messiah you have nothing to fear silly man." I teller she looks like Mary's best friend and she smiles trying to sleep with her hands in praying formation under her head gold inexpensive earrings still on eyes closed teeth shimmering as christmas lights sparkle in my bedroom. are you marys friend i ask did you come down here to keep an eye on me and warm not just my heart but it feels like this whole house is alive my fruit punch soda tastes bubblier my burrito tastes guacamolier my old face seems happier did you come down here to do all that for me shes sleep I whisper is mary your best friend and you seller tupperware and she sells you avon but you dont wear it cuz you just dont but you love each other and now you love me yes yes she says now hush she smiles opening one eye