Terzanelle on Good Friday
The bells declare the high night of the year.
We follow the priest’s movement with our heads.
I barely even know why I am here.
Christ is in Hell. The son of God is dead.
The velvet shroud pretends it is for good.
We follow the priest’s movement with our heads.
We go up one by one to kiss the wood,
obedient in mourning. As we kneel,
the velvet shroud pretends it is for good.
We sing the funerary hymns with zeal.
I have not prayed for months. God knows I am
obedient in mourning. As we kneel,
the screen displays a picture of a lamb.
The ending stands no matter what we do.
I have not prayed for months. God knows I am
still hoping, if I come, it will feel true.
The bells declare the high night of the year.
The ending stands no matter what we do.
I barely even know why I am here.
Notes to follow.