Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Poem: A Moment in Saint Peter's


A Moment in Saint Peter's


You walk through the ancient chapel,
surrounded by thousands who
walk and gawk at the golden walls,
the mosaic floors and vast Roman archways.

Around you there is laughter and
the sound of lecturers solemnly reciting history
both glorious and horrifying,

and the entire hall is filled with a hum of activity
until you look up
and your eye follows the distant light.

Suddenly all is quiet.
It is you and the God of light,
embracing each other, and you realize

you have a choice
whether your life is a museum or a church,
a place of memories
and exhibition

of the foibles and art of your past,
or an altar of worship and hope.

=============

The picture was taken, yes, in Saint Peter's in Vatican City. You can click on it for a larger version.

Tom

3 comments:

Unknown said...

St. Peter's is a huge space isn't it Tom? And there are all sorts of wonders to ponder.

gingerhillery@mac.com said...

Lovely poem. And photo. I hope to return to St Peter's someday.

Tom Atkins said...

Derrick and Ginger - It IS a wonderful space, full of magical light and a palpable sense of our history. Like you Ginger, I hope to go back again some day