Annunciazione rovesciata

We had counted her alone because the words were spoken to her. What they concerned required several people at different heights, none of whom could take the place of another without first letting go. The words had made no provision for this. They could be received in full by someone seated, with a hand resting lightly against her breast.

Much of the strength was spent keeping the bearers within reach of one another. This, too, belonged to receiving. A body does not become divisible because several people must hold it; a failing grip travels farther than the arm in which it begins. Those nearest the weight could scarcely move. Someone farther away still had room to reach toward them.