You see the old lady over there?
The one in the blue mask
heading for the church.
She delivered me, though
no, she’s got no idea who I am.
I see her quite often
alone having coffee,
a bagel and jam.
Many times
I’ve thought of saying hi,
but what do I say?
“You may not know me
but you brought me into this world.”
So I guess I’ll leave her again,
to struggle with handbag and stick
towards her cleansing nave,
while I wrestle with my faith
Copyright Francis Barker 2020
Copyright Francis Barker 2020
I grew up with your image.
Now they say you don’t exist.
I walked in your footsteps,
it was all I needed.
I read your words
and they spoke to me
across centuries of time –
as if I was there.
Are you a figment?
Faith covers my ignorance
You speak to me still
Copyright Francis Barker 2020
Copyright Francis Barker 2020
The tension is palpable.
We stand at the crossroads.
It is clear which road
we should take,
yet ultimately it’s our choice.
Let’s not pretend we don’t know
but don’t let me be the one who said:
“I told you so.”
Now at breaking point
Desperate actors go rogue
Pray deliverance
copyright Francis Barker 2020
In the heat of battle
it’s easy to lose faith.
Give up, run away.
Watch something else,
bury your head in the sand
and pretend it isn’t real,
like a movie scaring you
which can be frozen any time.
It won’t go away
This hiatus must be faced
Remain in our faith
copyright Francis Barker 2020
copyright Francis Barker 2020
