The Russian Orthodox Cathedral in Deepening Twilight with Shining Bells in Dark Recesses
Modern poetry modern verse contemporary poetry contemporary verse modern poem contemporary poem
A golden cross, liturgical in bright
Elaboration stands against a lead
Blue sky. The coming of the urban night
Has left the cross in neon evening dread.
We do not know what negatives of holes,
Despite such lovely contours in the cross,
Might wait for us in shadows in our souls.
The church’s darkness, opposite of gloss,
Portends inside cathedral spaces there
Below and only silence, blacker yet,
Engulfs the nave and narthex. Blankest stare
From sanctuary, winking a nyet,
Constrains such gilded hopes as might have been
Before that onion shape considered sin.