The women

           And the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid! I know that you are
           seeking Jesus the crucified. He is not here, for he has been raised just
           as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.”  Matthew 28:5–6

Because the angel spoke lightning, white and hot
Because the guards lay stunned like living stones
Because the rock that blocked the cave was budged
Because their arms held pots of oil and dry spice
Because he shone so bright he hurt their eyes
Because they’d been weeping instead of sleeping
Because it was dawn and the first birds were up
Because they’d slipped out of the house in the dark
Because the children would be waking soon
Because their breasts were full of morning milk
Because their hearts leapt like new lambs
Because he was their Lord and was not dead
Because the air was chilly, their robes thin,
They ran from the tomb praising him.