Consolation (Poetry)
25th March 2009
It is in the parting with our friends
that we discover churches —
the chosen place for requiems —
the gathering together to celebrate a life.
When, stood still and solemn below vaulted ceilings
in the slanting light from glorious windows
we find architecture a consolation —
a reason to sing.
Those sturdy columns reach more than the heavens
their substance more than towering stone —
they have the strength of faith that built them —
a spirit of their own.
The soul of wood surrounds us
faithful to its carpentry and all the love
carved in its gothic style
it speaks of transformation and a promised peace.
We are in awe — such quiet passion answers
what the heart was asking long before we came —
drawn by our need to witness how it ends —
and learn whatever truths we can from parting
with our friends.
that we discover churches —
the chosen place for requiems —
the gathering together to celebrate a life.
When, stood still and solemn below vaulted ceilings
in the slanting light from glorious windows
we find architecture a consolation —
a reason to sing.
Those sturdy columns reach more than the heavens
their substance more than towering stone —
they have the strength of faith that built them —
a spirit of their own.
The soul of wood surrounds us
faithful to its carpentry and all the love
carved in its gothic style
it speaks of transformation and a promised peace.
We are in awe — such quiet passion answers
what the heart was asking long before we came —
drawn by our need to witness how it ends —
and learn whatever truths we can from parting
with our friends.