Linking to dVerse Poets Pub where Kim hosts poetics on the theme of “buildings“.
______________
come, walk into
red-brick city church
of my childhood years
impressive facade soars
with cross atop central peak
an ancient yet beloved building
which features wide concrete steps
to enter through two heavy-hinged doors
come, climb up more
stairs to enter sanctuary
even higher to three balconies
hung below exposed-beam rafters
steps creak predictably under weight of
people with friendly faces and familiar voices
edifice embraces a warm welcome for regulars
and visitors alike with smiles, handshakes or hugs
come, sit down
on long wooden bench
which stood sturdy for years
smoothed by past congregants
sliding across row to make room
one central aisle with two side-aisles
all lead to table and raised stage in front
where God’s open word remains focal point
come, look up at
the light of the world
large stained-glass Jesus
who carries little lamb close
as he walks above choir loft with
staff in hand while sunlight filters in
organ begins prelude, robed choir enters
the minister stands and we all rise to worship
______________
a poem in my pocket 
Apr 01, 2024 @ 08:30:07
If you have the ceremony of going to church, that building will always have a special place for you…
Apr 01, 2024 @ 14:31:43
It laid a foundation for my life…
Mar 31, 2024 @ 07:58:46
A wonderful poem Lynn, the shape (concrete) the style, and description take me there (a place I know).
Apr 01, 2024 @ 14:32:32
thanks, Paul…glad you know!
Apr 02, 2024 @ 08:21:30
🙂
Mar 29, 2024 @ 06:17:06
Bravo Lynn – this poem is so inviting and the concrete shape of the stairs too pulls the reader in
Mar 29, 2024 @ 14:34:20
Thank you, Laura! I appreciate your comment.
Mar 28, 2024 @ 17:14:39
The shape of the poem is intriguing, almost like the steps to heaven!
Mar 29, 2024 @ 14:30:20
Thanks for noticing, Shirley 🙂
Mar 28, 2024 @ 06:57:17
Churches are much the same everywhere, seems to me.
I like the shape of your poem, seems appropriate, somehow, and this, the wooden benches smoothed by congregants sliding across.
Mar 28, 2024 @ 13:33:26
Thanks, Yvonne, for stopping by to read.
Mar 28, 2024 @ 06:55:12
Love the shape of the poem and the inspiring words. Love old churches specially with the tall glass-stained windows and sounds of choir.
Mar 28, 2024 @ 13:32:58
Thank you for your comment, Grace! (I am sorry i was unable to read your poem.)
Mar 28, 2024 @ 03:12:44
The title and shape of the poem are so effective, Lynn! I love the repeated invitation to ‘come’, and imagine a hand outstretched in encouragement, which reinforces these lines:
‘people with friendly faces and familiar voices
edifice embraces a warm welcome for regulars
and visitors alike with smiles, handshakes or hugs’.
I also love the description of the:
‘…long wooden bench
which stood sturdy for years
smoothed by past congregants
sliding across row to make room’.
Mar 28, 2024 @ 13:31:55
Thank you, Kim…yes, it was an inviting place 🙂
Mar 28, 2024 @ 02:32:59
Love you his Lynn. Made me nostalgic 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽😊😊😊🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
Mar 28, 2024 @ 13:34:57
Thank you, Dawn! Yes, I feel nostalgic when I remember my old church….so just had to write about it!
Mar 28, 2024 @ 00:47:03
Love the shape and the title of your poem, Lynn. Your lovely verse reminded me of the beautiful church in the city I grew up.
Mar 28, 2024 @ 13:36:04
I’m glad you like my poem, Punam! Thank you for your comments 🙂
Mar 28, 2024 @ 13:42:58
You are so welcome. 🙂
Mar 27, 2024 @ 21:04:56
Sounds just like my church before the renovation
Mar 27, 2024 @ 20:10:26
I was so fascinated by our church as a child. I would sit in awe looking up at wooden rafters, stained glass the organ pipes. It was like a whole new world in a building. Thank you for your lovely poem, it took me back to that feeling. 🙂
Mar 28, 2024 @ 13:36:52
I’m happy my words took you back to fond memories!