The great key

It is colder than the thermometer claims

as we near the end of the season

the season of dying

the fall

felt all the more keenly for fasting

hunger leaving open a space for faith.

The gate lies open

and the inscription above it bids me enter.

Music comes from within

although no service is in train

and standing here on the threshold

only ancient oak separates me from God

but the door stays closed to me

the great key was turned from the other side.

(c) 2012 Andy Hickmott

Mindful Elvis

‘It’s now or never,’ Elvis sang
and he was right.
Just last night I’d planned to tell you

grievous truths
but instead took refuge in platitudes.
I must have lost sight

that no matter how often I put it off
when I finally tell you,
if it’s not never, it has to be now.