Temple

Modern poetry modern verse contemporary poetry contemporary verse modern poem contemporary poem

The purpose of a temple is to hide

The god.  It does this by its splendor, height

And ogival stone arches.  These forms guide

The eyes away from spirit.   Window light

Through rainbow glass, through halo glass like gems,

Distracts divinity away.  The notes

Of choir and organ are like diadems

To blind your waiting heart.  The holy throats

Make sure you do not hear the still, small voice.

The candle on the altar burns its flame

Among the incense fumes.  They offer choice

(Between the god and beauty) lacking shame.

  The screen between the altar and the nave

     Veils Him who says his wounded hands forgave.