Fog curls like incense rising
the churchyard hums its hymn;
a robin finds her measure
the sunlight trims the rim
Each note ascends to mercy
each pause descends to peace;
the choir forgets performance
and worship turns release
The minister stands smiling
his robe of ember hue;
he says “to love creation
is what we’re born to do ”
The bells begin their laughter
the steeple learns to ring—
and faith feels less like doctrine