The Temple

 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