In An Ancient Cathedral

Icons staring towards a viewless place

Candles representatives of prayer,

Flicker and glow in the dim cathedral space

As frankincense weighs heavy on the air.

A priest intones the holy liturgy

In sumptuous vestments sewn with threads of gold,

The choir chants with solemn dignity

And ancient women huddle in a fold

Like creatures drawn to a lone shepherd's call.

Here for awhile the faithful congregate

To hear the solemn music's rise and fall,

To think, to pray, perhaps to meditate,

The soul's reflection on God's sacrifice,

Wondering at the message of it all

When through these doors the ways of sin and vice

Seem but a prelude to the spirit's fall.

And yet a single Being's purity

Can stand against the enemies of light

Awake in us the occult mystery

And in our hearts the god-flame re-ignite.