The Call of a Church Bell

Three blocks away a church bell from my parish always calls Pleading for my soul as the statues of Mary hang within the church's walls I visualize the sculptured faces and count the clapper’s swings I almost hear my name in the rhythm as the bell rings Lying in my bed the guilt tries to pull down the sheet My body is warm but my spirit is scorched in the heat I could literary walk in my sleep to a pew in my church I can count the footsteps to where my soul wants to perch I envision the crucifix with the same expression as before Yet that still gracious face is saying something new to my soul Through the church bell I sense my hearts palpitations This mismatch of my mind and soul need salvation The call of the church bell is getting louder and louder I am cocooned between these sheets but my soul is outside Walking to a place around the altar and taking a seat To a place it can converse with the Paraclete