Back To Church (Poetry)

They’ve taken heed of guidelines
well-spaced-out along the pews
and the vicar’s glad to see them
waiting patient for Good News

It’s the first permitted service
since the dreaded plague’s attack
and today released from lockdown
his small flock have trickled back

to join in a celebration
bright the sun through stained glass shines
and it’s tempting for a moment
to believe it’s like old times

Filing out an old man stumbles
a good Christian grabs his hand
social distancing forgotten
marching to the Promised Land