Too Long Without

Too long without is peace itself
Here in sacred halls, where heavy
Hands finger the valleys between
Tiles as if without light or sense.

Who could blame the priest for turning
His face away, not to witness
the flock fumbling towards the font
to spill its contents without joy?

What God desires to wake the dead
Into blindness or despair? But
Grace defends our Lord’s attempt to
dip his head and whisper, “Rise.”