Chimera

Perched atop the vaulted arches of Notre Dame Exquisitely carved spouts are not angelic hosts To receive the embattled, sinful souls seeking Entrance to the cathedral, Paris's most holy, Close inspection reveals grotesque, ugly creatures, Medieval gargoyles spout, appeasing the gods Ere sinners enter the sanctuary of grace, Souls unbaptized with holy water gushing down. Irony-laden solace from chimera* lips With nefarious grin they draw upward the eye And guard the Apostles gathered in the facade One passes 'neath to enter the sanctuary The solemn midday mass has already commenced Elaborately-robed priests offer bread and wine. [* "Chimera" - According to the Oxford American Dictionary "a grotesque monster" or "a thing of mixed character or fanciful origin."] Written on March 30, 2021 [Sonnet of Fourteen 12-Syllable Non-Rhyming Lines] Submitted to "This or That, Vol I" Contest Sponsored by Edward Ibeh Received a N/A Submitted to "Your 2021 N-A Choice" Contest Sponsored by William Kekaula