Apad 20

[bardiphouka]

The German Brothers gathered for prayer
on the slope of a river rimmed hill
gathering wood, gathering brick
gathering the lines of tomorrows

taking their tools in hand they
carved the statuary of hope
bringing a parish together
on the hill of potentials

But the children faded over
the years schoolyard quiet
the hymns unsung until the
sacristy became silent, unused

and an empty church stands on the slope
collecting small animals instead of futures.