My contribution to Poetry Week : A poem conceived in the quiet of a church service, anticipating “shock and awe” ahead.
Posted: October 11, 2013 Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: churches, mink, prayer, United Nations, war 3 Comments
A confirmation service in middle England – on the eve of war.
The sun streams through stained glass
Whilst the United Nations
Remains at impasse.
The saints gazed sympathetically
Upon the massed ranks
Of the well to do
Whilst in the Azores
Various – mostly closing – diplomatic doors
Were slamming, presidentially.
The Bishop’s deputy gave a pleasant homily
About joining the Bread of Life dining club
Whilst many a distracted family
Were eagerly awaiting
Sunday lunch in a riverside pub.
The fashion sense at this august gathering
Left little to the imagination
I was not aware that mink draped over the shoulder
Remained in style
Only serving confirmation
That God, perhaps,
Maybe for a little while
Had popped out of the building.
And amidst the prayers for peace and justice
The threat and tumour
Of impending war
As was
Is ever now.
Just is.