*I just wrote this poem for a writing contest on a poetry site; one in which certain phrases had to be used. It's a "stretch" and not my usual writing~style, so any feedback would be appreciated!
The behemoth stone building beckons,
immaculate virgin looming at the entrance
like a lighthouse beacon, calling to
the poverty of my soul;
robin egg blue halo
encasing her slender frame.
Encircling her flowing plaster veil
is a delicate wreath of May flowers:
lilacs, white roses, magnolias,
and babies' breath to rival
that of her own
plaster-of-paris infant.
A rainbow of lights
from the arched windows
dance a beguiling ballet
amongst her dainty feet.
I can almost imagine Mary
laughing in the sunlight,
laying on her back to
watch the clouds
on a grassy hillside
during a break from
her morning chores,
laughing at a joke
her father told
at the dinner table- -
not so different
than I once was.
"Come on in,"
she smiles.
"Welcome."
Entranced, I pull the heavy
oak doors open, enter the
imposing scarlet arena as if
a hesitant bull, horns exposed,
trip on high heel shoes that
suddenly feel as if they are
chained to the sidewalk,
holding me back...
But as the choir fills the room,
brings tears to my eyes and
me to my knees, I know that even
a sinner like me can stumble
into this stone building and
come back sweetened,
kiss the virgin mother
on her alabaster lips
on my way out and notice
how the sun shines on even
my blackest cup
of morning contrition.
