Ancient and Modern

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Ancient and Modern

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                                  I.

Once, in this ancient grove,
sunlight would skitter amongst the oaks and mistletoe
and the eye would almost catch
a vanishing heel or the flutter of diaphanous robe.

                                 II.

Later, the genie of the place was cornered, and clothed
in stone with columns and arches, altar and font;
the note of a bell would soar
on Sundays over meadows and timber homes.

                                III.

Now the roof has fallen and where the walls are standing
their stained glass testaments are missing;
there’s a thwack of wings as pigeons
clatter up from the brambles in the apse.

                                IV.

But walkers linger here, with cameras ready; children
hide in the ruins knowing they’ll be found;
and lovers, having found what they think they came for,
stay for something more.

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© John Stevens 2013

The photo is the copyright of Tom Stevens and has been reproduced from his photography blog – see:

http://shutttertom.com/2012/08/27/church-succumbs-to-nature/

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