The Meeting Place

April is national poetry month. We love poetry around here at the Interyear House! Here is a poem that I wrote after an hour spent in the chapel at St. John’s Episcopal Church. 

The Meeting Place - Thoughts from St. John’s Chapel:

The wooden pews are worn, fabric torn, from those who sit now and before. 
Those who come to Hear and to Listen and to Receive. 
What beauty in the serenity of this creaking chapel. 
Beauty in the blemished wood floors, in the candle wax that poured. 
The mundane melds with Majesty. 
A Holy collision. 
Silver pipes ready to hum and breathe with Our resounding voices. 
The stain on oak no longer shines -
It has been held gently over the years by those who have come to See. 

The stained glass windows carefully crafted for You -
Your Glory -
Your Honor -
Your Praise.
Luminous, one window brightens the back of the room.
Light filters through yellow, green, blue, pink.
A beautiful, welcoming Host for the Meeting Place.
Other windows line the wall.
The lead and guide and beckon
Pulling your attention forward 
All leading you to 

The Front.
The Centerpiece of the Meeting Place.
Where the Word is read.
Where the Table is set.
Where we are welcomed. 

Hues of rainbow light dance through the windows
Casting beauty onto the Table and Three empty seats

How many people have lifted prayers from these pews?
How many Psalms have echoed between these walls?
How many steps of faith have tiptoed across these hardwood floors?
How many collaborations of community have gathered around this Table? 
How many homilies have been preached from this bronze pulpit? 

This space has been well kept and well loved and well used
By those who devote their lives to You.
Their dedication shows the truth - 
You are Worthy to be adored 
From generation to generation.