Lady in the chapel, you are so strangely still
What lonely thoughts do occupy your vacant time?
There placid in the shadow waiting on God’s will,
Content and cool you wane away your ebbing prime.
How many empty years for sin, will you atone,
What courage brought you to this final precipice
To know that you may bide forever all alone,
In silence here, for mortals who have strayed amiss?
If your eyes could see, if your lips could move and speak,
What message would you bring to earthly fools as me?
Tell me mild sainted one, were we born inward weak,
Does your presence command, “ endure pain patiently”?
Is not this a matter of human complexion
We willing victims of unholy appetite?
For each seed that grows is there by some direction,
Both fed and nurtured by our nature erudite.
Symbol of faith midst candles’ small flickering glow,
Still reminding us of our inadequacy
What gift of wisdom does your approval bestow
How can your painted tears improve our legacy?
If you were life and breath possessed of moving flesh,
Endowed with hopes and dreams, consumed with thoughts serene,
Will those raised arms to gesture once and mankind bless,
Seek birth and death with faith and justice in between
Speak gently words that can be understood by all,
There in some peaceful garden full of light and song,
With trees to cover you in leaves that quiet fall,
Then in our living world your sacrifice belong.
Claire V. Bogdanos 