The grotto is immersed
In the peace of silence.
Candles flicker in the gloom
Dancing light on rough-hewn stone.
Flowers and vines drape
Carelessly over the rockery,
They have no cares
Consistently bathed in your
Adoring light.
Here and there,
The jewel-encrusted walls
Twinkle, they are hiding
The secrets, hopes and dreams
Of thousands.
I kneel upon the dusty ground,
Light a taper, fingers taught
And add another dancing flame
To your bountiful collection.
Another prayer, another hope,
Another desperate soul.
Your soft blue gaze
Is downcast
As though admiring
The lilies placed upon your shrine.
Blue and gold engulfs me,
Holds me,
In a tender embrace.
I do not know
Where I belong anymore.
But here at least,
Everyone is wanted.
The fractured shards of my mind
Are stilled, if only for a while,
And I can breathe in
The sweet aroma
Of piquant incense
And faith.
Mother, banish my despair,
Please convince me
That I am not alone,
Listen to my outcast\'s prayer.