A friend of mine, the lovely Sarah de Nordwall, gave this as a writing prompt at a Bard School event. It ignited in my mind like a rocket, and inspired an episode in my new book, The Retribution of Thengon (still in production), which I've put up on my Subscribestar.
If your name was a Temple, Mary
If your name was a Temple, Mary,
I would fill it with bright mosaics and wild flowers.
There would have to be fountains, fragrant
With rose petals,
Ceramic tiles of turquoise, azure, green and gold.
The birds of every woodland, jungle,
Copse and tropical palm,
Small hedgerow, mountain peak and rugged cliff
Would come to party
Sing in every bird call,
How your love was every soul's delight
And brought the animals from their lairs
In hope that peace had come.
If your name was a Temple, Mary
Shafts of light would bless each
Window, tower and turret, court of gold
And all would gather there at home
To praise the loveliness that
Opened hearts and souls.
And late at night your temple would not close
Your name would be a court for mourners
Who could weep beneath the moon
Until their heart's tears mingled with the dawn.
And on your mantle,
Dew, now lit by stars
Would give their eyes new sight
Their hearts new joy.
If your name were a Temple, Mary
Each incense-bearing flower and song
Would blossom there in peace.
And every spirit filled with light
Would sing of hearts released.
Sarah de Nordwall
Feast of the Holy Name of Mary Sept 12th 2007
www.sarahdenordwall.blogspot.com
