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Poem: “Late”

by on Jul 26, 2011 in Poetry
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Late

The Holy Father is expected
But has not by this time arrived
To celebrate a Mass outdoors –
A stadium is set aside

But not too large, a pocket field
That holds a smallish crowd of faithful, Even so, the seats not filled Empty
ones for late arrivals

Scattered in the sloping grandstand
And the view behind the plate
Is narrowed by the overhang,
The crowd distracted as it waits

Dancers hop and pirouette
To entertain the curious,
No one seems to be upset
Much less urgent, furious

Bouncy dancing, music played
But who will bring the sacrament?
It is as if the Lord delayed
To visit Abram in his tent

The Holy Father is not here
He celebrates the Mass elsewhere
While vendors selling hot dogs, beer
Wander up and down the stairs

Pavel
June 14, 2011


Pavel Chichikov is a Washington DC-based poet and photographer. He has written for both the secular and the Catholic press on issues as diverse as Russian nuclear weapons systems, Olympic athletes, and miracles. His books include From Here to Babylon: Poems by Pavel Chichikov,  Lion Sun: Poems by Pavel Chichikov, Mysteries and Stations in the Manner of Ignatius, and Animal Kingdom. Pavel may be heard reading his works on catholicradiointernational.com and on pavelreads.com. His poetry regularly appears on "The Poetry of Pavel Chichikov."