I Left Them Unsung


©Terence S. Jones


Is faith no more than stone and stained glass?

A church rises
from the pavement
beckoning me to believe,
but my trust cannot climb
the height of the first step.

My spirit is mere cobblestones
crumbling under my duress.
My mother placed hymns
into the crevices of my path
and I left them unsung.

What does it take to revive a dead heart?

A pew, a pulpit, fire and brimstone
leave me cold and unmoved.
Show me love, compassion, hope,
then perhaps the bitter taste
will leave my tongue.


©Susie Clevenger 2012
Leslie Moon at NWCU introduced us to photographer Terence S. Jones
and he kindly provided photos for inspiration. Please take time to
view his work and read the other inspired works at NWCU Sunday Snapshot



Comments

Other Mary said…
I think you're on the right track. You're words resonate.
Tashtoo said…
Susie...so there with you! The church provides us chains...limits to our expression...limits to our love...based on MAN's interpretation. Usually one based on the political agenda of the day. I know God doesn't hide in houses...but the realization was painful and hurtful...for awhile, I blamed HIM...see what human's can drive us to! Loved your response!
Anonymous said…
This is good Suzy, that idea of the unsung hymns very powerful.
Sadly, I think the majority of churches expound what you detail in the last stanza, but they are not the public face of Christianity.
Seems many of us were on this same path of thinking...
Sreeja said…
loved this....powerful!