In An Old Cathedral

She knelt upon a plank, plain oaken
(sable cloak, her mourning guise),
and sensed the breath of distant sighs,
pale shades of pain behind blue eyes…

While clasping close a cross-like token
(holding hope for those in need)
she prayed her Lord "please intercede,
my woes be washed, my soul be freed"…

Archangels, in the skies evoken
(candles flickered, shadows shivered),
through the panes, the moonlight quivered,
summoned forth, the wish delivered…  

Forgotten words he once had spoken
(dimly echoed ’neath the dome)
swept sweetness of the honeycomb
o'er distant realms they used to roam…

At midnight's knell, in dreams awoken,
memories of love unfeigned…
Though loneliness of grief remained,
she still held hope… hope hadn't waned…

And when the dawn had early broken,
by the font, in peace, she lay…
As sudden as a sunset ray,
the light of life had slipped away…
Copyright © | Year Posted 2014

Poem

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Marcum Wong Avatar
July 26, 2016 at 1:31 PM
Terry, this lovely poem reminds me of the Constanza form. This beauty is in first place for me. Congratulations on your second placement Terry! 7 ; )
Carber Avatar
July 26, 2016 at 9:29 AM
Quite beautiful, especially the ending-- congratulations!
Williams Gault Avatar
July 26, 2016 at 7:55 AM
Chock full of gripping imagery, what a great write, congratulations!
A  Avatar
July 25, 2016 at 4:51 PM
Terry, Congratulations on your win. **SKAT**
A   Avatar
March 28, 2016 at 8:57 PM
Excellent win, Terry. Linda
Kimathi Avatar
March 22, 2016 at 4:19 AM
Hi Terry. Congrats for your top placement in the contest!!! ;-)
Eastman Avatar
September 4, 2015 at 3:22 PM
This is a beautiful gem. Glad I found it.
Makama Avatar
June 4, 2015 at 10:46 AM
What a marvelous read from a blessed paged built on lines constructed with the lyrics of the skies and words well supported by dynamic foamy clouds. Message well expressed! No doubt an absolute 7##.
Fleming Avatar
February 14, 2015 at 3:42 PM
Beautiful poem, Terry. You are most evidently a very capable poet! :) john.
Austin Avatar
August 10, 2014 at 10:17 AM
Death in the cathedral. Wonderful stuff, Terry. What could be sweeter? Love, daver
Lindley Avatar
August 8, 2014 at 7:44 PM
So glad you replied on my recent write as I meant to come back and fav this poem but forgot in the busy days I have had.
Lindley Avatar
August 3, 2014 at 4:16 PM
Just found this gem! What can I say but a very excellent write! Perfect ending too...
O'Leary Avatar
August 8, 2014 at 6:42 PM
Thank you, Robert. for the kind words...
O'Leary Avatar
August 8, 2014 at 6:40 PM
Thank you. Robert. for the kind words...
Kearley Avatar
July 22, 2014 at 11:41 AM
I see you've still got it! Very nice...
O'Leary Avatar
August 8, 2014 at 6:45 PM
Thanks Dan... :-))
Marcum Wong Avatar
April 30, 2014 at 2:38 AM
You write so beautifully Terry, that I know before I begin I am going to love what you wrote. That my friend, is true talent!
O'Leary Avatar
August 8, 2014 at 6:50 PM
OMG Connie... a most valued comment... :-)
Collins Avatar
March 24, 2014 at 9:41 AM
My lord Terry - A sad one indeed. To expect you to run these off like bolts on a conveyor belt, would be folly. We wait so long - THEN POW! You are turning Terry Edgar Allen Poe-ish. love, Sylvia Splat.
O'Leary Avatar
August 8, 2014 at 6:51 PM
;-))
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