Annunciation an ekphrasis on a painting by Christine Hirst Angel and Virgin each stand in a tabernacle, Sheltered and divided by a fruit tree Bearing apples or pomegranates, One of which hangs close to the Angel’s ear, like a headphone. He is swathed in gold light, wings back, brown hair trim. She has a gold halo, red hair, And wears a red robe and blue cloak. His face is benign, being only the messenger— Hers inscrutable. The Tree of Life grows on barren ground, Or Earth. He, the Angel, appears behind this, on tiptoe. Is his right hand raised in…