Happy Poetry Friday!
On Wednesdays I look forward to This Photo Wants to Be a Poem, a regular offering from fellow poet and Poetry Friday poster, Margaret Simon. How will Margaret inspire a small poem from me today, I wonder.
This past week Margaret shared a stunning photo from Christ Church Cathedral in New Orleans, taken on Christmas Eve. The beautiful stained glass windows immediately brought back memories from my childhood — observing how the light made rainbows, learning the stories of the saints and the scenes portrayed, and feeling the comfort of my faith. For just a few minutes, I was once again a school girl, kneeling in wonder.
Many of those stories and teachings from my youth are now buried deep within my soul, but I still remember the feelings from seeing the windows—those objects of beauty that continue to catch my attention each time I enter a church.
Laura has the roundup today here where you’ll find a sneak peek at Laura Purdie Salas’ soon-to-be-released book Finding Family and lots more poetry goodness.
Imagine the Possibilities 
YES, stained glass does all of that! I have dabbled in creating stained glass…quite an involved process, and a lot of fun. Thanks to Margaret for her photo, and you for your poem!
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Thanks, Irene! My husband has created a few small pieces. One hangs on our enclosed back porch and casts lovely shadows of light and color when the sun hits it just right. Looking forward to meeting you in person at Highlights!
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My sister used to make stained glass when she was in her 20s. I have a piece of hers that I treasure–it’s magical, and your poem captures that :>)
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I remember well how beautiful to see the light through those church windows. This is lovely, Rose! I imagine that you do go to church, wonder if they would like to see this?
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I haven’t been to any churches in a while, Linda, but I think the stained glass windows would still capture my attention.
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Rose, you beautifully described the effects of stained glass windows. The Cathedral photo is gorgeous and I wanted to write about it but did not have time. Thanks for sharing and creating an image poem (with a background highlighting the photo.)
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Joy, sorrow, peace, hope — all from colored glass, though no doubt filtered by the frame and walls of the church. Deeply engrained… Perhaps part of what we do as we age is use the broken pieces to form a new mosaic.
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Such a poetic response, Patricia. Thank you.
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So much can come from stained glass. Love this photo and poem pairing.
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What a beautiful photo and response poem. I just want to go and be in that rainbow. Thank you for sharing…I am loving the peace.
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I love watching light stream through stained glass. Your poem reflects that so well
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One of my memories of stained glass is when I kneel at the communion rail and watch the refraction of light in my diamond engagement ring. Mesmerizing as well as symbolic in many ways. Thanks for sharing your beautiful poetic response.
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That series of verbs: bestowing, acknowleding, promising, offering. You capture the sense of comfort and peace of a religious space.
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