I entered through the nave, avoiding the congregation,
dipped my hand in the font and blessed myself
as the sacred water fell from my forehead
in sacrificial drips to fall on the back of my hand
and sat in the pew before the niche of St Denis.
In this panel I find comfort, strangely enough,
gazing at the ragged end of neck glowing in a halo
that should have surrounded his head which lay
patiently on the ground waiting to be picked up and
then begin its sermon as the body bears all to grave.
I understand this beheaded saint, for like him
I gave up part of myself to endure -- a part I thought
impossible to live without and for which I search
through day into dusk without hope of finding
more than words it is said one should live by.
Do not question your destiny, my children
but meet it willingly and with heart,
for doubt is the great annihilator of the world;
do not ever lose faith in your own gods
for it is then your fate to stand & perish.
**************************
Note: Denis was beheaded by Druids upset by his many conversions. Legend has it he picked up his head and carried it to the present location of the Basilica of St. Denis. The head preached a final sermon the entire walk.
