catapult magazine

tentative advice about the Elusive

by Benjamin Groenewold Van Dyk

Crucifixes, candelight,
images can speak,
pillar trees in stone can shout
as Christ convicts the meek.
If you meet Him painted thus
and reverently bow
say: Neither is this Thou,
yet this is also Thou.

Kneel and watch the table; bells
ring music into spheres.
Await the revelation: bread
is bread ?til Christ appears.
Taste Him when He meets you?
can anyone say how?
For this is also Thou,
and neither is this Thou.

Outside after catch the starlight,
spin it into song.
Change the trees to litany, let
the engine hum along.
Worship through the windshield all
the headlights will allow,
whisper: Neither is this Thou,
for this is also Thou.