The Little White Church

The Little White Church The little white church, engulfed by the immensity Of Douglas fir, Hemlock, and Western Red Cedar On Nootka Island in Nootka Sound, Confirms the remoteness of the Yuquot Village: On the west coast of Vancouver Island. The green of the trees in towering heights, Glorifies the whitewashed wood of the chapel. Surrounding the path leading to the entrance, Broad foliage lean pointing the direction: Akin to a Westminster Abbey in the rainforest. The windowless facade structure faces the ocean, As a defence against the wind’s many directional forces; With crosses in the yard protected by a picket fence, That bears testimony of Christ’s presence, To the Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nations. Above the door to the house of God, The steeple rises with a cross on top, And a bell tolls to call the ‘people of the deer,’ Of ‘Friendly Cove’ to gather and worship In Jesus Christ’s name, Lord and Saviour. *** Note: Ekphrastic poem of Emily Carr’s painting “Native Church” (1929).