Stripping the Church

Little by little
the things, the bible,
the cross, the candles
were carried out
taken from the chancel
out the center aisle
in the hushed sanctuary
His presence removed
in the loss of the moment
the disciples scattered
His fate in their hands
of the Sanhedrin, the High Priest
answering trumped-up charges
the church dimmed
as the light was removed
in the stripping of the church

March 21, 2008
Maundy Thursday, 2007, 2006, 2005
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH