the preacher

the kerosene lamp sends shadows
to hard wooden benches in the still church
as darkness fills the room.
open windows allow the heat
like a warm blanket
to fall over us.
faces emerge from the darkness
as eyes bright with feeling gaze forward.
the small alter, flower laden and
covered in a lace cloth,
stands behind
the tall blanc dressed in green.
his words dance as creole and english
build a rhythm
bringing hope
as tired hearts open in the darkness.
hand-cut paper hearts hang from ceiling string
gently fluttering as a breeze passes over.
songs burst forth as emotion
fills each gathered here
coming from within
to share a common message.
the tall blanc raises his arms and bows his head.
his prayer spoken.
peace descends to all
who sit in the still heavy darkness
as God walks through him
to touch
each
gathered in this
dark night.

and light fills our soul
for the words bring clarity
to our own reality
and we become as one,
gathered in the stillness of the night.

Sylvia D. Campbell, MD
October 1998