April 27–May 3 ❘ House of the Lord

House of the Lord

Children of Israel reared
a tabernacle in Sinai with eyes
set to find God in the details—
gold angels, brass vessels, silver rings,
linen hangings, acacia pillars, fine leather,
perfume, dyes of blue and purple and red.
Our temple also

               bears His chisel marks
in every marble facing,
His careful brushstrokes
in each painting, fire
of His countenance rising
in stained glass flames from earth
to sky. He is stitched by hand
into rugs, curtains, altar cloths,
and cushions

               where we sit
in quiet and light at center
of this re-created Eden.
The veil hangs thin,
blowing open at slightest stir.
We rest

               for a moment,
before taking our next steps
on the path forward.

• Read more of my poetry at www.facebook.com/latterdaysaintpoetry

• Contact me at merrijane.rice@gmail.com