John Borneman
Gargoyle
can wait.
I crouch
unnoticed,
carved onto
obscure
archway
of green,
moss-covered spire.
glance right
the rose window—
rainbow images.
glance left
the gardens—
earthy smells.
don’t move.
He doesn’t know.
keep my mouth wide
grin madly while it rains
spout runoff,
heaven’s water mixed with
bird shit,
and trace acids
can wait.
can wait.
The Saint watches,
but I am just
one of many
water-spewing
stone-faced
monsters
adorning his beloved
cathedral.
Saint Apostle
Saint Beloved
Saint Demon Scourge
Saint John
can wait.
can wait.
someone will break a vow
excuse a sin
venerate the effigy
abuse a child
forget a penance
The balance is shaky
my Lord rises
His descends
he will lose.
can wait.
can wait.
I will feed.
Will cast myself down
crash through the glass rose
through the nave and chapel,
tryptich and transept,
cloister and presbytery
mouth grotesque,
sucking in
worshippers
priests
bishops
and a Saint.
can wait.
can wait.
It is close.
The Beloved falters
The Church stumbles.
can wait
can wait.
__________
John Borneman has had poetry and short fiction published in Star*Line, Flashquake, Andromeda Spaceways Inflight Magazine and The Fortean Bureau. Go to http://brassman.xtra-rant.com for more information on John and his various creative endeavors.
Copyrighted by the author unless otherwise noted.
Art Director: Bonnie Brunish
