CATHEDRALS

Well, it's chucking it down again. I mean it's properly hammering with rain - like one of those movies when someone gets thrown out of a car at gunpoint and has to stumble dramatically along a road-bridge.

I splashed back to the office, umbrella-thumped and soaking. Rain-recess then. Perfect for a little poetry. This one's called Cathedrals...


Cathedrals

Lovely, velvet comfy chairs
Cushions plump for fervent prayers
Finished woodwork, polished brass
Sunlit panes of coloured glass

Muddy hut with mango leaves
Rain that thunders through the trees
Outstretched arms and shoeless feet
Sweltering in jungle heat

Golden lectern plush with light
Open Bible, bold and bright
Marble pulpit high and cold
Carved in wood and glinting gold

Tinpot roof and rusty nails
Splintered wood the sky unveils
Faces tight and voices cry
Together lifting heaven high

Silky satin banners fall
Cascading from the whitewashed wall
Where oaken frame meets knotty pine
In smoothly crafted wood design

Sticky Bibles, sweaty palms
The strength and sound and song of psalms
As tears and joy and freedom meet
The rhythm of the dancing feet

Sunday morning sunlight streams
Suspending dust within its beams
And cherubs sing in silent stone
Their ancient tune unheard, alone

Vaulted roof and velvet sky
Where eagles rise and angels fly
Cathedrals soar between the trees
Where humble hearts are on their knees