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