A Quiet Conversation In Church

A Quiet Conversation In Church

 

 

     by Edmund Siejka

 

Someone behind me stifled a cough

Turning around, the stranger nodded back

In the dim light

I made out a determined jaw

Felt thick fingers holding on to the back of my pew

I’ve been coming here for years he said

During weekday afternoons

When the Church is empty.

 

I pray in the quiet

And find peacefulness

That never stops.

From it I get strength, a resolve to go on.

 

Pausing he asked I don’t think I’ve ever seen you here?

I answered as best I could

I pass by here every day

And I thought it was time for me to come in.

 

He answered

Yes, strength and resolve are important.

But they come from the inside. No one gives them to you.

I had some issues but I knew I couldn’t hide in a bottle

And so, I came back to the Church on my own terms.

 

Still in the shadows

He whispered

I’m a veteran

The government will give vets pills to help them forget their problems.

The Church?

They try in their own way and when you die, they’ll say a prayer over you

But your family is the only one you can rightfully turn to for help.

 

I told the stranger

We were new to the City

That was so crowded and expensive.

 

We parted but not before he said

When you find someone

Open your heart and trust them.

 

Outside, my eyes squinted

In the suddenness of sunlight

Signs of Spring

Were everywhere

My cell phone rang

Her excited voice telling me that she got the job

She always wanted

Finally, things were going her way

I told her

We’ll celebrate

Go to the place you always wanted to go

In her breathless voice she answered

It’s so expensive

What else is new I replied

We’re going because this is special

Because you didn’t give up

You made it happen.

 

And then I realized the old man was right.

Reviews

[Red Brick Keshner]

Awesome "empty church" scene and the brilliant flash when we turn the corner into the avenue of 'life is meant to be lived.' Somewhere ever near us there is that "old man," whom we are wise to heed! Beautiful poem E.S.!