DESPITE THE FLAMES WE EMBRACE – A PARIS REFLECTION
As Notre Dame burned I recalled the reflections I had 22 months ago on Paris’ Notre-Dame de Boulogne.
Bill Simons
On middle Sunday at the French Open I thought of going to Notre Dame Cathedral. But I imagined it would be crowded. So I went to the cathedral I walk by every day – Notre-Dame de Boulogne – and I wrote these words.
Red robes
High arches.
Ascendant hymns
Fleur-de-lys tiles
Quiet men with old shoulders slumped low
Somber prayers.
Bells sound, heads bow
The morning light inspires
Windows of glory amplify beauty
And what of the source that has given so much?
So we search.
Where is meaning?
Found in faith? Perhaps heart? Or does it abide in the power truths of science – such cleansed precision.
And what of whimsy? Or wonder?
Source or sorcery, hymns of hope comfort. Mystery confounds the muse’s mind. Data takes us just so far.
So how do we know?
All the while the birds sing on a Sunday morning in Paris.
Devotion may waver
Ancient rituals linger
An altar boy – white robe, beige sandals, white candle
Leads the throng on this day, this Sunday morning in Paris
Can we lift our troubled souls?
May we embrace?
Where is the justice that too often eludes?
Harmony retreats.
Leaders falter.
Raise the walls, leave the union.
Is truth dead?
A coward kills –
Manchester – not united.
Hearts ache.
But this Sunday, Paris’ morning is just too glorious.
Life’s bounty lifts.
Are we not all pilgrims of the spirit?
Are we not blessed?
So we hope.
We must hope.
We hope we can renew
And at last embrace.
Yes, the fields of fury explode.
Still our devotion must not falter
No matter the flames.
So this sanctuary whispers.
Rituals sustain.
Hidden alcoves have heard it all.
Weary confessionals hold tight their secrets.
Ancient psalms comfort souls.
And always a question.
Will our prayers be heard?
The pilgrim wanders.
The seeker wonders.
