a solemn place
amidst the strife
majestic spires
draw us near
and once inside
a moving scene
arcs of stone
filtered light
a quiet realm
a safe retreat
though human built
the house of god
religious art
adorns the walls
scattered faithful
lost in prayer
so beautiful and
yet a shrine
to guilt and shame
unleashed by man
can one leave
what was not there
can one miss
what never was
can one lose
what never held
can one mourn
what never grew
can love be
an illusion
a gory sight
for all to see
blood and meat
bones and fur
left to rot
in summer's sun
a frozen mass
in winter's chill
an accident
is what they say
unsafe to stop
no time to swerve
a silly choice
before its death
to leave its home
its safe retreat
but what is left
of fields and wood
as humans sprawl
across the land
emotions raw
the future clear
words expressed
infused with faith
and yet we find
that love may fade
that time might shred
what seemed so right
late in life
as we men age
the thrill of youth
is but a dream
hoping to close
with stoic grace
we give advice
and bide our time
and then a glance
from searching eyes
a youthful face
a knowing smile
the thrill is brief
the smile returned
for we both know
whose face she saw
