Hushed

While rushing downtown after attending the last few events of an art festival I had been involved in, I was stopped slowly at the sight of a warm group of people huddled together with palms lifted,
i felt hushed
struck silent after running to cross the street and strangely drawn into a trance-
i wanted to join them.
i did not quite know how or why.
with high ritual services, I always feel so awkward-moved at the sanctity, wanting to show respect, but not knowing how to follow along

So in a brief moment of decision
I continued to cross the street

in my chic outfit from leaving a fashion show-passing along the sidewalk in front of an air of reverence, a prescence of slowly passing palms.
the priest began to turn my way, the incense swinging, his voice defied the passing traffic, singing gracious glory to the one who went before us.
i smiled with my head down, swept deeply by the breeze and native hearts silently marching together to continue their prayers in the shelter of our precious bascillica.
still, in a moment passed wondering how could get in,wanting to be a part of it, could i slip in the back?
and i'm sure that i could have,
instead, head still bowed at these thoughts and the persistence of a cold front wind, a warm heart smile could not erase itself from my gaze as i traveled lovingly along the church's border; tulips under rose bushes-their thorns to our king,their eyes toward the sun,
lambs ears peaking through the grass, the lamb of God our second change or resurrection,

the precious easter dogwood tree sang out loud, guarding each window of stained glass.

i reached down between leaves of grass and secretly stowed a dogwood flower into the pocket of my skinny grey jeans and made my way on into the rest of my normal life: rushing, checking lists, numbers objects ideas swirling through my thoughts-

still this Easter lay steady in my heart.

My heart is unburdened
My mind is brought to rest, to reality, to calm and resolve.
In this moment
My mind is brought to Easter,
sweet sweet Lord, oh my soul,
Hallelujah!