-- In the Nave of a Church –

John Herlihy

There in church, sitting in the nave,

A hallowed sanctuary, a sacred cave.

Moment in the day, a brief interlude,

All alone in this comforting solitude.

Somber shadows amid colored glow,

Stained-glass windows as a rainbow.

Tucked in an embrace of quiet hush,

Silence with the feel of velvet crush.

Smoke of sandalwood and its smell

A drumbeat at the heart of belief.

Austere statues their mystery tell,

Ever flickering candles bring relief.

Patiently awaiting a sign of promise,

Cast in this grove of sacred solace.

Rich aromas of budding almond trees,

Heightened awareness on one’s knees.

Tongues of flame in candelabra flick,

Wax melting as fire burns the wick.

The lantern lit signifying God is here,

This sense of presence hovers near.

Incense smoke rising off the altar,

Calligraphy of psalms never falter.

The coolness of holy water fonts,

The shadowy glow of the candles.

The enrobed statuary of the saints,

Polished wood of a carved pulpit.

Sermons echoing ancient mystery,

From here on earth into eternity.

Holy emotions of salvation to tell,

Heard clearly in the toll of a bell.

A surge of passions newly stirred,

Song of the bird of paradise heard.

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Copyright © John Herlihy

Monday 21 November 2022