There was a moment
just then
A silencing of footsteps
echoing
from the arches designed
for beauty
Allowed to remain by the last
conquerors
Voices—
rising from the choir chamber
down the hall
Light and dust
falling to stain the marble
Magenta gold green
when I waved
then slipped again into shadow
before the second
verse began🪶
Inappropriate footwear
slows the pace
mind your steps
mind the path ahead
mind the earth below
mind your mind
pause for quiet homage
pause for gratitude
raise your gaze highway
from beneath the grace of shade
one hundred years standing
balsam poplar still reaches
to touch the edge of summer clouds
Pencil on paper. Images arise. Message received.