Church

[rustybroadspear]

Church

Inside an empty church
Cold.
Lit by a full moon
Through stained glass.
A multi-pastel cocoon.

Old.
Bars of pale colour
Drape the unadorned alter.
Quiet.
A shabby prayer book and psalter.

Dank, musty air.
High in the roof, flags of saints
Droop, wilting, threadbare.
Images worn and faint.

Golden eagle lectern
Stands monolithic
Alone ………….. waiting.
Hymn without music.

Stone floor slabs
Interspersed with iron grating
Hiding crypts and tombs
Silence radiating.

Font stands in shadows
Stained and dry.
Cracked oak door locked
To motionless silent bells on high.

Choir stalls
Dusty, patient, unoccupied.
Organ pipes, tall, proud
Tarnished and denied.

Hanging motionless from the rafters
A wooden crucifix
Christ; thin, forlorn, coloured red …………

The girl stood in the aisle transfixed.

In her teens
Dishevelled, slightly stoned
Tousled red hair
She moaned.

Tear streaked make-up
Mask of fear
She looked up to Jesus
Wanting and sincere.

Small hands held high
She screamed – she told Him.
Hey you !!! Why? Why me?
It was then that she did behold Him.

She knelt
Felt warmth comfort, relief.
You are safe my child
You have belief.

She sobbed happiness
And prayed for the boy,
The intruder and thief
Who stole her purity and joy.

The church remained silent
As she made her way home.
And Christ looked down on emptiness, as
Pastel colours faded to monochrome.

[Lisa Arnold]

excellent write, many thanks for posting!

[purplespirit]

This poem hold so much feeling and stirs emotions, it points out to me that wonders do not happen only on Christmas. Thank you! Ulla xx

[johan]

Great piece of poetry from you, enjoyed the read.

Johan

[michaelgallatin]

Sad and happy for this young lady at the same time Sir. This is sort of like what I was trying to say in "Shine Inside". If we shine on the inside, perhaps the outside takes care of itself? Don't know, don't fully see it but one can hope and pray. I guess, as it is in your poem, it's a question of how much faith you have!

Happy Holidays,
Mike