Church On the Bluff

"Upon this rock I will build My Church!" There it perched upon a bluff high above New England's rugged shore. Its glass-stained windows, now shuttered, were closed forever more. What once had been a vibrant house of worship now stands forlorn, Surrounded by wind-swept cedars, a few wild roses and brambly thorn. 'Twas during a Sunday morning stroll that I came upon this pastoral scene. A congregation of one, I communed with the past on what once had been. I felt a kindred spirit with those now gone as I mused about times of yore, And listened to the soughing winds and the oceans booming roar! I pictured 'all day meetin's with dinner on the grounds' by the congregation. I could sense the pastor's sermons dealing with the devil and damnation! In my mind's eye I saw happy brides and grooms on their wedding day, And little children reciting The Golden Rule and learning how to pray! I saw happy families arriving on Christmas Eve by horse drawn sleigh, To enjoy the candlelight service and the Sunday school Nativity Play! The old church must have also been a beacon of hope for seafaring souls, Who after sailing upon the billowing seas neared those treacherous shoals! A long-abandoned graveyard with moss-covered stones was situated nearby. Alas, names etched upon the stones were eroded and many stood awry. Though long forgotten by man, He knows the names of each and every soul, And they'll join Him with the elect when Gabriel sounds that triumphant roll! Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired © All Rights Reserved Placed No. 2 in Constance's "The Church By The Ocean" Contest - October 2011