POEM: Margaret

Margaret

I’ve looked and looked,
opening heavy doors,
stepping into dim chapels.

I’ve lit candles,
knees pressed into velvet,
eyes raised to painted clouds.

I’ve sung along to melodies
familiar and new,
sat for hours in stillness,

waiting for the voice
to come
or to go.

I’ve felt a tingle in my chest,
a tear on my cheek,
the hard pew against my back.

I’ve read the words
and heard them read
searching for someone

to whom I can
address these lines.

Yet again I speak the question
into existence.

Yet again I listen
for the answer.

/ / /

5 January 2023
Lemont, PA