Good shepherd assures his flock,
settled in plush, padded pews.
"You have come to a safe place.
You are among friends today.”

The ninety-nine believe. They
smile and nod in unison.
I bow my head, turn my face.
Silently, I vow to stay.

Better now, I no longer
bolt, terrified by the Church.
I can sit and stand and sing
sometimes and try to recall

Worshipping one in spirit,
in truth. Was it ever real
or mere illusion? I bring
doubts, uncertainties and all

To spacious sanctuary.
My off’ring, my sacrifice,
is just in the coming now,
the gathering together.

Just as I am, a blemished
lamb, I come. If I’ll ever
find it safe, I don’t know how;
nor know I when or whether.