Jul
27

Ring Through

I sit at my computer.
Familiar surroundings newly revisited.
I remember the bells I hear
ringing from the neighborhood church.
Chiming out
a familiar chant
my soul recalls effortlessly.
They herald a message
to any near enough to hear it,
though I take it personally.

I’m home. From wherever I’ve been,
for however long I remain,

I am welcome.

© 2011 Shari Lynne Smothers

 

 

The bells I can hear, ring at St. Peter Claver Catholic Church, in Treme, a largely African-American populated neighborhood in New Orleans, Louisiana.

  • http://twitter.com/sMichelle40 s Michelle

    Shari,
    This coaxed a big smile from me. The familiarity of home, bells welcoming, how even the everyday ordinary can cause the hairs on the back of your neck stand up. Reading this made the hairs on the back of my neck stand at attention. I also love the confidence of the speaker’s voice, such quiet strength.

    The confidence rings true in this piece, I like it all Shari.

  • http://slstellingstories.com Shari Smothers

    Hi s Michelle:

    It’s funny as I drive around and see all the major changes in the cityscape, it’s many of the little things that speak loudly to me. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

    Sorry I was late checking the comments. Not sure why yours got hung up. I hope you don’t mind that I took the liberty of combining both your comments.

    Shari

  • http://slstellingstories.com Shari Smothers

    Hi s Michelle:

    It’s funny as I drive around and see all the major changes in the cityscape, it’s many of the little things that speak loudly to me. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

    Sorry I was late checking the comments. Not sure why yours got hung up. I hope you don’t mind that I took the liberty of combining both your comments.

    Shari

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