There’s a dip in the stone step
in the threshold of the old cathedral,
worn where thousands of pilgrims have stepped
as they entered the darkness to pray.
Even in the old country church
the railing is rubbed bare
where the faithful have grasped,
have leaned, have hoped.
There is a worn spot
at the threshold of your heart
where God has entered the silence
over and over, to pray and gaze at your altar.
You don’t have to hear the words.
You don’t have to understand.
Just step on the threshold,
touch the railing, and you know.
—October 2, 2017