Open House (Poetry)

I have joined the church of poetry
and studied psalm by psalm
the visions of creative minds
new prayers to conjure calm

I’ve sung old choruses along
the best-loved learnt by rote
past masters gone to meet their gods
left therapy’s bright note

Our congregation’s scattered wide
yet joined upon the page
and soaking in each sacred text
sing louder hymns of praise

A testament to all that’s true
exponents ply their craft
rhyme across each sly-grown gap
to stop fear’s biting draft

This church it welcomes everyone
who wields a modest pen
a polished sword that carves its words
in open-hearted men

And celebrates humanity
from the holy to obscene
those disgraceful or self-righteous souls
plus oddballs inbetween