In An Old Cathedral
She knelt upon a plank of oaken,
sable cloak, her mourning guise,
and sensed the breath of distant sighs,
pale shades of bane behind blue eyes…
While clasping close a cross-like token
(holding hope for those in need)
she prayed her Lord "please intercede,
my woe be washed, my soul be freed"…
Forgotten words he once had spoken
(echoed dim beneath the dome)
swept sweetness of the honeycomb
o'er distant realms they used to roam…
At midnight's knell, in dreams awoken,
memories of love unchained…
Though loneliness of grief remained,
she still held hope… hope hadn't waned…
And when the dawn had early broken,
by the font, in peace she lay…
As sudden as a sunrise ray
the light of life had slipped away…
Terry O’Leary defines himself as "A physicist lacking gravity...".
Terry thank you for sharing this poignant and a well written poem. It sure tugged at my heart strings. I appreciate your talent. Keep sharing.
ReplyDeleteCharlene
Thank you Charlene. I'm always happy to pull women's heart strings... ;-)) Terry
DeleteWow, Terry, this creative masterpiece so poignantly places its character visually in the mind of this reader and so perfectly paints the background and the moment. It is amazing how an entire story is within that one character and that it remains ever ready to be captured! You have done that! Sheri
ReplyDeleteThank you for your kind words, Sheri!
DeleteTerry
Dear Terry,
ReplyDeleteSometimes the loss of a loved one can be devastating and all we have left is our faith. The "loneliness and grief" do remain and its sad to think of this woman struggling to recall the memories she shared with someone dear to her. A sad but very touching poem. Thank you for sharing it with us.
Best wishes,
Carolyn
Thank you Carolyn for your kind comment!
DeleteTerry
Dear Terry,
ReplyDeleteI love how you tell a story. It is so rich with imagery and heartfelt emotions of a woman dealing with grief and loneliness but still held onto hope then the sadness we feel as we read of her passing. Beautifully written, Terry, thank you for sharing it with us.
Sandra Stefanowich
Thank you for all your lovely words Sandra!
DeleteTerry
Thank you, Jack Horne, for the following comment--
ReplyDeleteTerry - just love this tender write, which flows beautifully, as always (loved the limerick too, LOL)
Thanks for the kind words, Jack!
DeleteTerry (I'm glad you liked the lim... ;-)) )
Thank you, Connie Marcum Wong, for the following comment--
ReplyDeleteDear Terry,
Your talent cries out to be recognized and enjoyed by
a hungry world of poets. This impressive, passionate
piece I will save to read over and over again. Blessings, Connie
Thank you, Connie... I'm very flattered.. Terry
ReplyDeleteThanks Terry. A well written and pleasant poem to read. I love the way the beginning lines all connect with the previous ones. Continued blessings!
ReplyDelete-Maurice J. Reynolds, Owner / Editor
TGBTG! Publications / Creative Inspirations
www.tgbtgpublictions.com
Thank you for you kind words and encouragement, Maurice... much appreciated!
Delete