An Experience Poem by Ernestine Northover

I entered through an arched doorway,
and walked slowly down the nave,
my footsteps sounding hollow
on the worn stone floor.

With a feeling of awe, I looked upwards,
and beheld such wonders.

Multiple creations of architectural beauty,
in the meticulously carved vaulted ceiling,
built centuries ago,
with such exquisite care.

It took my breath away.

The dominance of the high altar,
resplendent in its ornamentation
and delicate tapestries.

Effigies of past Saints and knights,
ranged along the side aisles,
sculptured in stone,
standing or reclining on plinths,
regal and silent.
Frozen in time.

I felt alone in this vast structure,
even though people were drifting quietly past me.

Locating a chair I sat down,
breathing in the atmosphere,
and finding that I was held in a vacuum of power,
piety and purity,
which gave me the notion that this place,
was strangely mesmeric.

The vision of the Architect, the skills of the builders,
the dedication of the ecclesiastics,
all showing man's ability to achieve.

His Cathedral,
a towering commemoration to God,
and an amazing place to leave one's spiritual thoughts.