Nature's Cathedral

by Kelly Sharp

Mockingbird sings call to worship
I the lone parishioner sit
Reverently beneath live beams
Oh what lovely swaying branches
Oak, sycamore, sweet gum, pine
Foliage's colorful canopy
Through which shines glory's light divine

Every vivid color illumed
Autumnal gold, jewel red, orange
With what is left of summer's green
Are pagan cathedral's stained glass
Nature's abstract tangled prism
A choir of cicadas perform
Splendid anthem, praise and worship

Pious crow delivers sermon
Cleric clad, iridescent cloak
His pulpit the high stately oak
Who would nod off to this stern one
His message, CAW! well delivered
Heard and completely understood
Meant for the forest's common good

Oh Amen! I shout brother crow
The whisper of leaves forgiven
For the tones so hushed do lend here
Such a worshipful restfulness
The Reverend lifts voice so clear
To offer one parting blessing
A rare poignant doxology

With powerful black wing beating
He's feathered angel ascending,
Leaving me his one congregant
In this olden cathedral's
Primitive, ancient sanctuary
Awed, respectful, mindful and moved
I am completely born again

The Author

Kelly is the mother of three and an ER ward clerk. In her spare time, she writes poetry and historical fiction in the state of Mississippi. Her interest are Celtic folklore, the outdoors, history, and reading. She's 39 years old.