the cathedral is dark
and the rain mutters things
against the stained glass
the weak gray light
displays scenes of the Bible
on the faded purple carpet
it is hushed over with silence
as if unseen angels
sleep in the empty choir box
I sit in the silent church
completely alone
surrounded by shadow
and humming rain-song.
because the piano is black
and a thin layer of dust
covers the surface
it beckons me to come close
the unseen angels
sleepily open an eye or two
so I sit at the piano
gently lifting the lid
and setting my hands
down on ivory keys.
I look up
a low breath escaping me
it flies through the church
a pale blue color
the color of the sky after a rain
it rattles against the gray light
and slices through the shadowy air
the empty pews
collectively breathe as well
one breath, one song
the hanging wooden cross
swaying over the dark altar
takes in breath, shutting maple eyes.
though the room is quiet
and dark and empty
there is life in the mildew
and breath stirring the dust
of the ebony piano.
I study the faces
on the colored windows
who watch me closely
telling me to play.
I look back down at the piano
these old keys
holding so many stories inside.
I lay my fingers
against the secrets of the ivory
shutting my eyes and
listening to the melody of life
of one breath, that lives
in this abandoned cathedral
trying to find God.
