Tuesday, December 25, 2012

The Lost Church


Christ-bearing Warrior 
descended from the Mount to the precita at el rio
and began his search for The Lost Church
where hymns from the pulpit stage
float high over hot footlights 
and fall in cool shadow.

...and he'd show them the blood on his hands,
and he'd show them the pain in his heart,
contrition for all he had done.

Caravans passed of refugees 
from harder times than these
with all they had before them 
and nothing left behind.

Full moon high in the night sky
as he entered town a stranger
where one-legged dancers spun in circles in the street
and the crazed flew straight into danger.

Candle in the window - look up or you’ll miss it.
Behold the temple sublime
where holy water and holy wine linger 
with misery and melody in the House of Jack and Ginger.

As the sacrament began he wondered, 
“Will they understand a pilgrim from a distant land?”

...and he sang of the blood on his hands,
and he sang of the pain in his heart,
contrition for all he had done.

Huddled in dark communion
sinners heard his confessions
delivered salvation and praise
but his guilt be not absolved, forever stays.

Christ-bearing Warriors head out of town
go forth and sin no more
$10.00 at the door
offerings in collection
the price of soul redemption.


Ken Owen, Van Niddy Music, November 2012

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