God's House

God’s House

 

 

some things from the past

live in memory forever,

like classic Chevrolets

and old churches.

 

i came upon an old church

while living in California

its windows were boarded up

fissures could be seen in the walls

and its foundation

wildflowers and leaves

littered the path to the concrete steps

 

but it was the steeple

that gave affirmation

to the antiquity that stood  before me,

that this was once God’s house

 

where every Sunday

a congregation would meet

with rosaries in hand

where a pipe organ could be heard

playing hymns of salvation,

giving praise to the Lord.

 

there i stood with my Starbuck’s in hand

on the very ground it was built, in 1897

now in severe decay awaiting demolition,

it was a pale configuration

of what used to be.

 

where a congregation would meet

every Sunday

“…in the name of the Father,

the Son and the Holy Spirit…”

 

where a steeple on high

gave firm affirmation

that this was God’s house.

 

 

Reviews

[Patricia Wedel]

dear Kelly... Church steeples rise above the confusion on this Earth. Steeple bells ring... and Menorah Candles burn brightly as Countries cry and we pray for Healing Reeds along the Nile. softly, Pat

[Kelly Scheppers]

Thank you for your empathy, Pat. Bless you!

[Jodash]

You wrote this so vividly, I felt like I was there. This is quality writing.

[Kelly Scheppers]

Thank you ever so kindly, Jodash!

[Jodash]

You're very welcome

[Sami Khalil]

You captured it accurately and with compassion.
I like to know the history behind old buildings, worship places, modes of life.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and experiences

[Kelly Scheppers]

Thank you for being here, Sami!

[Sami Khalil]

You are welcome. Thank you too.

[Lorry]

I'm not the most religious of fellows, but there is not many sights sadder than a church boarded up and left to rot.
It is usually a sign of serious downturn in its community and the only time I felt I've needed a church was the day I passed our old Chapel and saw that the Chapel itself had been flattened and services were now held in the one remaining room, which used to be the tea and coffee room for after service refreshments.
Why did I need it then? Well, one of the two words I said was holy and the other most certainly was not.
I did wonder where they'd fit the confessional, but probably best I didn't go in to find out. I'd have got at least 10 our father's and a few dozen hello dollies for my troubles! 😊

[Kelly Scheppers]

It moved me beyond words upon seeing it. I'm happy to have captured it here, and glad you enjoyed it. Thank you, Lorry!

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Indeed dear Kelly I never saw you as religious but such buildings evoke feelings in all of us and you describe your visit nicely.

[Kelly Scheppers]

I usually keep my religion and political views to myself. What a surprise it is to see you back, John. Thank you!

[John Alexander McFadyen]

I have ventured back as I miss all the good poets like you who make the cafe lovely.

[Pete]

amen. the building can be torn down but never the spirit / souls touched or what took place within those walls. steeples represent man's upward reaching desire to be united with god. a write of revelation and truth beautifully and touchingly told. time and things pass but eternity is forever ... :)

[Kelly Scheppers]

Thank you most kindly, Pete!

[FGFRANKLIN]

"I was happy when they said to me, Let us go into the house of the Lord." This was beautiful, lending a quaint sincerity to things loved, lost and left in the limbo of memory. It's sad more of our landmarks aren't saved for posterity. I enjoyed the read. F.

[Kelly Scheppers]

Always a pleasure to have you here. Thank you, Fabian!

[Fabian G. Franklin]

I'm trying to reclaim my old account here so I'm sending along a friend request from it, same me, just a different profile pic. Happy Saturday, my friend.

[Arundass TP]

Enjoyed the images of old church . Good poem.

[Kelly Scheppers]

Thank you. And welcome to my page!

[Neville]

my very dearest of Kelly's, although I have long trod a different path, you words here sent a shiver up and down my spine as they led me to the foot of a still sacred shrine .. (that rhyme was unintentional by the way) .. whereas my thank you for posting is both deliberate and sincere .. thank you .. Neville

[Kelly Scheppers]

Your presence here is one I would seek. Thankful for the kindness of words, Nev!

[Ken e Bujold]

a remarkably stirring poem kelly. apocalyptic vision of past and present, that provide's glimpse to a future for those who wish to ponder. The image of starbucks in hand is ever so striking.

ken

[Kelly Scheppers]

Thank you for your visit, Ken.