In Facing the Crucifix
A poem written about the Crucifix in the St. John’s Abbey and University Church.
I have:
meditated on fall’s orange mortality;
shivered through dark winter’s bite;
been revived in spring’s morning renewal;
sought light through summer’s greenhouse haze—
All while dilated pupils focus lovingly
on the floating crucifix
above the altar.
Christ in Gerald Bonnette’s bronze,
inviting veneration with its shape;
eternal Good Friday in effigy,
still and radiant.
I awake.
Imago Dei flutters in my heart.
Metallic Savior hangs—
an image of Christ before me.
Yet I seek His true face.
I wait in patience for the RISEN Lord.
I continue to gaze and think.
Waiting, awaiting… waiting;
I pray:
a natural instinct.
Soon the Abbey bells gently ring,
I turn my head and see,
A chasubled Christ enters in procession
In persona Christi.
